By the New Bedford Police Union
Every time an officer hands in their badge for a neighboring community, it is more than just a personnel change—it is a clear warning sign for the future of public safety in New Bedford.
We recently extended our thanks and best wishes to Officer Hector Rivera, who served with us for less than five years, and Officer Cole Terceira, who served for less than two years. Both have chosen to continue their law enforcement careers elsewhere. While we wish them success in their new departments, their departures compound the severe staffing challenges currently facing our department, placing an unfair and dangerous amount of pressure on the officers who remain on the front lines.
For years, the Union has raised alarm bells about compensation, staffing levels, and the city’s inability to retain qualified personnel. The reality is simple: New Bedford invests substantial taxpayer dollars into recruiting, hiring, and rigorously training officers, only to watch that investment walk out the door. Why? Because neighboring communities are stepping up with better opportunities, while our officers are left behind with an expired contract.
Mayor Jon Mitchell, the continued lack of progress in resolving the Police Union’s contract raises serious questions about your administration’s leadership, priorities, and accountability. True leadership requires far more than merely acknowledging that a problem exists. It demands taking responsibility, making difficult decisions, and, above all, delivering results. We are still waiting for the administration to explain what meaningful, tangible steps are being taken to resolve this contract and stop the exodus of talent.
To our City Councilors: Time is running out. Every single departure further stretches a thin department to its breaking point, threatening the safety of our neighborhoods.
The citizens of New Bedford deserve better from City Hall. Our residents deserve a fully staffed, fully functional police department, and the men and women who put on the uniform every day deserve competitive, fair compensation.
Mayor Mitchell, how many more dedicated officers must New Bedford lose before your administration finally makes retaining our people a priority?
