Lowell Police Withhold Details on Misconduct Allegations Against Former Officer

Internal records show sustained findings but heavy redactions obscure full account of officer's actions

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the opaque nature of the police investigation.Heavily redacted records raise questions about transparency in a police misconduct investigation.Lowell Today

The Lowell Police Department has released heavily redacted internal records regarding misconduct allegations against former officer Dylan DaSilva, with over 120 redactions obscuring key details. While the records confirm sustained findings of policy violations, the department has cited privacy exemptions to withhold information about the circumstances and nature of DaSilva's alleged actions, which sources claim involved inappropriate contact with a 17-year-old girl.

Why it matters

The public has a right to understand the full scope of misconduct by public officials, especially in cases involving potential abuse of power and inappropriate relationships with minors. The extensive redactions raise concerns about transparency and accountability within the Lowell Police Department.

The details

An internal affairs report found that DaSilva violated department policies regarding preliminary investigations, use of official position, and use of cellular phones. Specifically, DaSilva failed to file a required report after acting as the primary investigator on a call for service in September 2025, despite interviewing involved parties. The department concluded his conduct brought the force into disrepute and impaired the department's efficiency.

  • The alleged misconduct occurred in late August and September 2025.
  • The internal investigation and sustained findings were completed in early 2026.

The players

Dylan DaSilva

A former Lowell police officer who was the subject of an internal misconduct investigation.

Lowell Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the internal investigation and released the heavily redacted records.

Bill Galvin

The Massachusetts Secretary of State whose office ordered the release of the records requested by 25 Investigates, except for body camera footage.

Justin Silverman

An attorney with the New England First Amendment Coalition who noted that the redactions appear to cover basic information about the officer's conduct.

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What they’re saying

“Much of the information was originally withheld based on privacy interests, but the current redactions now appear to cover basic information regarding the officer's conduct.”

— Justin Silverman, Attorney, New England First Amendment Coalition

What’s next

The Lowell Police Department will likely face continued pressure to provide more transparency and a full accounting of the allegations and investigation surrounding former officer Dylan DaSilva's misconduct.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing public transparency and individual privacy in cases of alleged misconduct by public officials. The extensive redactions raise concerns about the Lowell Police Department's commitment to accountability and the public's right to understand the actions of its law enforcement.