New Bedford Police Chief Oliveira retiring after 32 years at department

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira announced he is retiring after 32 years at the department.

On Tuesday, Oliveira said he will retire on May 3, 2025.

Olivera served as police chief for four years and held other roles such as patrol officer, narcotics detective, and head of internal affairs, according to New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said that Oliveira made New Bedford a “safer city,” and credited him with the public’s “strong” trust in the police department.

Mayor Mitchell said in a statement in part:

“In his four years as chief, he presided over a Department whose ranks, like those of most urban departments, abruptly contracted in the wake of the pandemic, and yet he was able to drive double-digit declines in violent and property crime. Not resting on these achievements, Chief Oliveira instituted a suite of reforms, including changes to the department’s organizational structure, the adoption of body-worn cameras and a commitment to data-driven decision making, that together will set up the Department for further success still.”

In a statement, Olivera said in part:

“Over the past decades, I have had the privilege of serving alongside many great men and women (sworn and professional staff), whom I have gained unwavering respect for. Through these individuals, I have learned so much and have been so proud to have them as colleagues. Out of the academy’s graduating classes of 29 officers in October of 1992, my classmates Lt. Shane Ramos and Ofc. Mike Carrier are the only ones who remain on the job.

I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable support of our department from the community. Every challenge and every milestone we have celebrated has enriched my career and my life. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together – from enhancing community safety to strengthening public trust, especially during the difficult times we faced as a society.

Specifically, I want to acknowledge the efforts and initiatives that have resulted in a consistent and substantial reduction in violent crime. I must recognize the continued efforts of the past and present members of the Narcotics Division, where I spent a significant part of my career and was so proud to have worked with so many brave, deeply committed officers. The officers there have relentlessly taken record numbers of drugs and guns off the streets, helping to make New Bedford a more desirable community to live in.”