NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The New Bedford Police Union is aware of the ongoing investigations concerning the alleged misuse of law-enforcement technology by members of the New Bedford Police Department.
The Union takes seriously any allegation involving the improper use of law-enforcement resources. At the same time, allegations are not findings of misconduct. Every officer is entitled to a fair, thorough, and impartial investigative process before conclusions are reached.
As the collective bargaining representative for its members, the Union’s responsibility is to ensure that their contractual, statutory, and constitutional rights are protected throughout that process. Providing representation to members should never be interpreted as condoning misconduct or prejudging the outcome of an investigation.
The Union recognizes the Department’s responsibility to investigate these matters and its authority to take reasonable interim administrative measures while the investigations and any related audits remain ongoing. We expect the process to be conducted objectively, consistently, and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and applicable law.
The Union will continue to cooperate with the appropriate investigative and administrative processes while vigorously protecting the rights of its members.
Because these matters remain under active investigation, the Union will not comment on specific allegations, evidence, or individual officers at this time.
