Expert unpacks vote of no confidence against New Bedford’s police chief

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Chief of the New Bedford Police Department will be meeting with union members over the vote of no confidence that was passed Monday.

According to the New Bedford Police Union, of the 135 members who voted, 121 were in favor of the vote of no confidence in Chief Paul Oliveira. 12 voters did not support the measure, one ballot was left empty and another was marked both for and against the vote.

According to ABC 6 News’ Law Enforcement Analyst, Todd McGhee, these votes aren’t uncommon.

“The patrol side will typically utilize and leverage the vote of no confidence. And that’s, again, an attempt to sway either dialogue, greater dialogue, or better dialogue, or more transparent dialogue between patrol and management,” McGhee explained.

The union said the vote came after a number of internal surveys that the union said revealed negative feelings about Oliveira’s leadership.

In a post to social media, the union said in part, “The negative impact of a leader who has lost the trust of their officers has consequences which echo throughout the agency. This vote is an expression of the immense stress, frustration and dissatisfaction that the officers of the [New Bedford Police Department] have with Chief Oliveira’s leadership.”

The post concludes by saying, “We hope the city leaders and stakeholders take this information to heart. The members of the New Bedford Police Union remain committed to the safety of our community and safety of our officers.”

While the vote is under review, McGhee said New Bedford residents shouldn’t notice any difference in police services.

“I think it’s important to understand that you don’t see police officers striking right? There’s a public safety duty, and it’s important that the general public knows that if they make a call for service, or they have a 911 call, that police officer is going to show up.” McGhee concluded.

Officials did not immediately release when Chief Oliveira would be meeting with union members to discuss the vote.