New Bedford Police Chief Appointed as New Harbormaster

NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Chief of Police Joseph Cordeiro is now also the City's Harbormaster.

The New Bedford City Council Thursday night finally approved the appointment that was first submitted by Mayor Jon Mitchell in March of 2017. The appointment was charter ruled last month and returned to the council floor Thursday.

Mayor Mitchell tells WBSM News the appointment was simply administrative in nature.

"The appointment was merely about checking a block on the state law that requires us to have a harbormaster to appoint the folks who actually do the patrolling," said Mitchell.

Mitchell says that with more development along the city's waterfront, the harbor needs proper oversight.

"There's a lot happening in the Port of New Bedford these days. We want to make sure that as the port continues to grow it remains safe for people and property."

Chief Cordeiro was sworn in as the Harbormaster following the approval of the appointment by City Council. Mitchell says his salary is unaffected by the appointment.