Former New Bedford Police Chief Seeks Private Eye License

Oliveira's request to relinquish law enforcement certification faces review over undisclosed lawsuits.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Former New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira has applied to relinquish his law enforcement certification in order to become a licensed private investigator. However, his request has been tabled by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission pending a review of lawsuits he was involved in that he failed to disclose on his initial application.

Why it matters

Oliveira's application has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, as the POST Commission seeks to thoroughly vet his background before approving his transition from public law enforcement to the private sector. This case highlights the importance of thorough vetting processes for those seeking to work in sensitive security and investigative roles.

The details

Oliveira, who served as New Bedford's police chief from 2021 until his retirement in 2026, initially failed to disclose his involvement in a civil lawsuit alleging civil rights violations and use of excessive force. After being asked to supplement his application, Oliveira acknowledged the lawsuit, which was resolved in 2024 for $17,500. However, the POST Commission then learned of a second undisclosed lawsuit, prompting them to table Oliveira's request until they can further review the new information.

  • Oliveira retired from the New Bedford Police Department in February 2026.
  • Oliveira applied to relinquish his law enforcement certification and become a private investigator in February 2026.
  • Oliveira's application was reviewed by the POST Commission on February 19, 2026.
  • The Robinson v. City of New Bedford lawsuit was resolved in April 2024 and formally dismissed in May 2024.
  • The POST Commission will revisit Oliveira's application at their next meeting.

The players

Paul Oliveira

Former police chief of the New Bedford Police Department who is seeking to relinquish his law enforcement certification in order to become a licensed private investigator.

Heather Hall

Attorney for the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission.

Eric Jaikes

City Solicitor for the City of New Bedford.

Jon Mitchell

Mayor of New Bedford.

New Bedford Police Department

The police department that Oliveira previously served as chief of.

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What they’re saying

“We have actually a truncated request with respect to Mr. Oliveira's application.”

— Heather Hall, POST Attorney

“I, as Chief, along with other members of the New Bedford Police Department and the City of New Bedford were named in a civil lawsuit, Robinson V. City of New Bedford et al., No 1:22-CV-10942 -RGS - in US District Court of Massachusetts. I spoke with City Solicitor Eric [Jaikes] on February 2, 2026, and learned that matter had been resolved on April 22, 2024, for $17,500. It was formally dismissed in May of 2024.”

— Paul Oliveira, Former Police Chief

“For these reasons we're asking the commission to table this review of Mr. Oliveira's application until the commission's next meeting as staff will need additional time to review this new information and present a supplemental memorandum. And I will also just say we really appreciate the public comment with respect to these applications, and we appreciate when people are engaged in the process.”

— Heather Hall, POST Attorney

What’s next

The POST Commission will revisit Oliveira's application at their next meeting to further review the newly disclosed lawsuits.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough vetting processes for those seeking to transition from public law enforcement roles to private investigative work, in order to ensure transparency and maintain public trust.