New Bedford to Begin Process to Build New Police Headquarters

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Twenty-five years after moving into its “temporary” home, the New Bedford Police Department could soon have a new headquarters.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell announced today that the City is beginning the process of building a new police headquarters facility that would hopefully be completed in the next three to four years, paid for by municipal bonds.

“The New Bedford Police Department needs a modern, purpose-built facility to meet the requirements of 21st century policing,” Mitchell said. “It will enhance the overall performance of the department, ultimately to the benefit of our residents.”

The City last opened a new public safety facility back in 2021, when the new South End Public Safety Center – the city's first new police and fire station built in over 50 years – opened with a $20 million price tag.

READ MORE: $20 Million Public Safety Center Opens in New Bedford

Earlier today, Mitchell said the City would soon be seeking to hire an “Owner’s Project Manager” to assist the City in determining the right location for the facility and to oversee its design and construction.

According to a release, the City will be “releasing a request for services package seeking an industry professional to guide the project from start to finish.”

“The project manager will first assist the City identify a location that is close to the demographic and/or geographic center of the City,” the release stated. “The process, expected to be three-to-four years, includes site analysis, public input, bid solicitation, design, and construction.”

Current New Bedford Police Headquarters is a 60-Year-Old Supermarket

The current New Bedford Police headquarters at 871 Rockdale Avenue is the former Fernandes Supermarket that was built in the 1960s. The police department moved into the location in January 1999, when the former headquarters downtown was sold, demolished, and redeveloped into a bank that today is the DeMello International Center.

The police department was only supposed to use the building for two to three years while the City searched for a new site and secured financing to build it, but instead it was a stay that has now lasted a quarter of a century.

"After more than two decades of serving New Bedford from what was meant to be a temporary
location, we are excited to start the process of planning a new police headquarters,” Police Chief Paul Oliveira said.

“The time has come to build a facility that meets the needs of our officers and reflects our dedication to public safety,” he said. “This new building will not only enhance our operational efficiency, but also reinforce our commitment to providing the best possible service to our residents."

Current NBPD Headquarters Has Issues, Costs Millions

Chief Oliveira said the current police headquarters building puts “several limitations” on police operations, such as privacy concerns over the interview rooms, and dispatch and property areas that are among several that no longer meet industry standards, according to the City release.

“The City has spent millions renovating the building over the years, including a façade upgrade in 2012 and, more recently, significant work to the sally port, HVAC system and evidence room, but the size and condition of the building continues to put a strain on the department,” the release stated.

“We’re constantly shuffling officers around to make room. The City is always in here with crews fixing this and that,” Chief Oliveira said. “The overall safety and security of the building do not meet the needs of the people of New Bedford.”

The City said the request for services will be available soon online at www.bidnetdirect.com/massachusetts/newbedford. Anyone seeking more information or has questions on the BID can contact the City’s Purchasing Department at (508) 979-1432.