FAQ
There are a couple of paths to becoming an officer with the NBPD.
- Become a Cadet at the NBPD and work alongside Officers to help with administrative duties and become a 911 call taker. After two years as a Cadet with the NBPD, you may be granted “cadet preference” by the Chief of Police. Cadet preference is granted to individuals who show they are committed, dependable, professional, and will be a true asset to the department and city during the evaluation process.
- Take and pass the Civil Service Exam. Once completed, your name will be forwarded to the NBPD for consideration. Once accepted by the NBPD, a candidate will be sent to the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) for a 6-month training program that translates into 800+ hours. The program is organized into three (I-III) volumes with multiple subtopics and covers 21st century policing best practices with specific emphasis on the following core principles: problem solving, procedural justice, ethical decision making, and fair and impartial policing. Once an officer is on the job at the NBPD, he/she does a week of municipal training at HQ before he/she serves 30-days with a veteran officer. Officers are required to do 40 hours of in-service training annually.
For more information on either of these pathways to becoming an Officer with the NBPD, please contact: 508-991-6300 Ext. 79413
Criminal reports that are Domestic Violence in nature can be picked up by the VICTIM ONLY at 871 Rockdale Ave. between 8am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday (closed on holidays). All other criminal reports require a court order to obtain.
All emergency calls should be made to 911. Non-emergency calls can be made to the communications division at 508-991-6350 to report a NON-EMERGENCY. Non-emergency calls can also be made to the division in which you live.
- Station One – 508-991-6340
- Station Two – 508-991-6355
- Station Three – 508-991-6360
You can report crimes, suspicious behavior, or drug activity anonymously by calling 508-99-CRIME (508-992-7463) or by calling one of the NON-Emergency numbers above. You do not have to leave your name.
Accident reports can now be obtained online for a fee from LexisNexis Police Reports or by going in person to NBPD Headquarters at 871 Rockdale Ave. between the hours of 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday (closed on holidays).
Restraining orders and harassment orders between 9am-4pm Monday thru Friday are obtained at the 3rd District Court 75 N. Sixth Street, New Bedford. If an order is required outside of normal business hours, one can go to their local police station to obtain an emergency order from an on call judge.
Click NBPD Forms and download the necessary forms. Complete, sign and schedule an appoint with Firearms at 508-991-6300 Ext. 79573.
Go to the MA Sex Offender Registry to obtain information on all Massachusetts Level 3 Sex Offenders.
To obtain information on Level 2 offenders in the city of New Bedford you must report in person to 871 Rockdale Avenue between 8am to 3pm Monday thru Friday. You will be required to fill out an application for information and provided with Level 2 and Level 3 information.
Level 1 offenders WILL NOT be disseminated to anyone other than law enforcement.
You can contact the police station closest to you or call our non-emergency line at 508-991-6350 to find out who towed it and where it is.
West End (HQ) : (508) 991-6300
Downtown (Station 1) : 508-991-6340
South End (Station 2) : 508-991-6355
North End (Station 3) : 508-991-6360
If someone is arrested between the hours of 8:30am and 2:30pm Monday through Friday, the detainee will brought to 3rd District Court and held/released from there. If it is after 2:30pm, you can contact the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office at 508-996-6704. No one is held at any of the NBPD Stations.
To file a complaint against an NBPD officer or employee, complete our Complaint Form and drop it off at NBPD Headquarters at 871 Rockdale Ave. or email it to Chief@newbedfordpd.com. Complaint forms are also available at all Police Stations, City Hall Personnel and at Professional Standards at 1204 Purchase St, New Bedford. If you need any assistance with this process, please contact Professional Standards at 508-979-1687 and speak to an Investigator.
Police reports can be picked up in person at New Bedford Police Headquarters 871 Rockdale Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740
If directed to stop by a police officer, do so as soon as it is safe to stop your auto. Avoid sudden movements and do not reach for your license or other items until the officer requests them. Remain in your vehicle, turn on your interior vehicle light, keep your hands where the officer can see them and follow his/her instructions. If stopped by an officer in an unmarked cruiser, the officer will make themselves known by producing a badge, and identification.