New Bedford Police Union Pushes for North End Captain

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The New Bedford Police Union is calling on Mayor Jon Mitchell to appoint a new Division Commander for the North End police station after months of the position being vacant, but a city spokesperson said that request was nothing more than “bargaining position” as the two sides are in the midst of contract negotiations.

On September 22, the New Bedford Police Union put out a post on its Facebook page calling on Mayor Mitchell to promote a captain for the North End.

The union said that over three months ago, Captain Robert Holmes, who was the Division Commander of the station, retired and the position has remained vacant ever since.

“The responsibilities of this critical role did not retire with him; they have instead been distributed among the lieutenants and sergeants of each platoon,” the union wrote. “These additional duties have been assumed without benefit of promotion, additional support, or financial compensation.”

The union pointed out that the South End station has Captain Nathaniel Rodriguez at the helm.

“With a captain in place, the station benefits from consistent oversight, strategic direction, and a clear chain of command,” the union wrote. “The captain plays a vital role in ensuring the station operates smoothly – administratively, operationally, and in terms of personnel management.”

According to the union, Police Chief Jason Thody and Assistant Deputy Chiefs Derek Belong and Scott Carola “all recognize the importance of having a captain as the Division Commander at the North End station.” However, the union said that when the request reached City Hall, “it was disagreed upon that the position should be filled and the appropriate lieutenant promoted.”

“The absence of a Division Commander at the North End Station is increasingly unsustainable. Leadership at this level is not optional; it is essential to the stability, morale, and effectiveness of our Union,” the union wrote. “We urge the decision-makers at City Hall to prioritize the appointment of a new Division Commander to restore the balance of leadership and ensure the continued success of our operations.”

City Response: Call for Captain a "Bargaining Position"

In a statement to WBSM, City of New Bedford spokesperson Jonathan Darling said the union’s stance on the need for a North End Division Commander has less to do with operations and more to do with the fact that City and the union are engaged in contract negotiations.

“The union’s sudden protestations about the North End station have to do with its bargaining position,” Darling said. “The union continues to cling to the outdated practice that senior management positions like captains should remain in the same bargaining unit as all other officers. The mayor has full confidence that Chief Thody will continue to manage the patrol needs of the North End effectively.”

New Bedford City Council Backs Union’s Demands

However, Council President Shane Burgo, who recently led the charge for the city council to file a lawsuit against Mayor Mitchell over the council’s role in confirming the new police chief, said the union’s concerns are “valid.”

“Leadership at this level is essential for our officers and our community,” Burgo posted to his Facebook page. “While the council cannot make appointments, I urge the administration to reconsider filling this role so all neighborhoods receive fair and consistent support. Public safety demands nothing less.”

READ MORE: New Bedford City Council Officially Files Legal Action Over Police Chief Confirmation Role

“This imbalance hurts morale, stability, and public safety. Mayor Mitchell’s refusal to fill this role is unacceptable! Our officers and residents deserve better,” he wrote. “Our officers have stepped up, taking on extra duties without promotion or compensation. The mayor must act, public safety can’t be put on hold.”

Ward 1 Councilor Leo Choquette told WBSM the station has always had a Division Commander.

"The North End substation which serves Wards 1, 2 and part of Ward 3 has always had a captain in a primary leadership role, as far back as I can remember,” Ward 1 Councilor Leo Choquette said in a statement to WBSM. “It is my hope that the NBPD will provide a new Command Officer to fill the role left from the retirement of Captain Bobby Holmes, who was a great friend to Ward 1 and always available to help me."

In a Facebook post, Ward 2 Councilor Maria Giesta urged for “immediate action to fill this essential command post,” saying it should be “a moment when leadership rises above politics and puts the well-being of New Bedford first.”

“Public safety is not a luxury – it's a promise every elected leader must fiercely protect for our city's families, workers, and businesses. It is something I have consistently advocated for and demanded during my tenure on the New Bedford City Council,” she wrote. “While fiscal challenges always require thoughtful stewardship, the current imbalance in police leadership is not a situation I am comfortable compromising on.”

“Our neighborhoods deserve steady, responsive protection and the dignity that comes with equitable resources. This is a promise we make as elected leaders, for the entire city,” she wrote. “The absence of a North End Division Commander not only impacts the North End, it puts a tremendous strain on the entire NBPD, and creates a ripple effect that is unhealthy and an unnecessary strain on our leadership.”

Ward 3 Councilor Shawn Oliver posted to Facebook that Mayor Mitchell “must address this now” and that “public safety cannot wait.”

“Strong leadership in this position is critical to both the officers who serve and the residents they protect,” Oliver wrote. “Although the city council does not control appointments, I strongly encourage the administration to reconsider and ensure this role is filled so every neighborhood receives the consistent support it deserves.”

“Public safety should never be compromised. Leaving this position vacant undermines morale, weakens stability, and threatens community safety,” Oliver wrote. “Mayor Mitchell’s continued refusal to act is unacceptable. Our officers and residents deserve better leadership.”

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Councilor at Large Brian Gomes, who chairs the council’s Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, told WBSM he supports having a captain assigned to the North End.

“It is very important to the daily operations of the department,” Gomes said. “The North End has the same issues as the South End; the men and women of the department and residents deserve that leadership.”

Councilor at Large Ian Abreu also posted to Facebook calling for the vacant Division Commander position to be filled immediately.

“Our dedicated lieutenants and sergeants have been carrying the additional responsibilities without promotion, support, or compensation, but this is not a sustainable solution. Leadership at this level is not optional; it is critical for stability, morale, and effective operations within our police department,” he wrote. “For the safety of our neighborhoods and the wellbeing of the men and women who serve, I urge the Administration to prioritize the appointment of a new Division Commander to restore balance and ensure continued success in protecting our community. Our residents deserve only the best.”