July 7, 2022 By Ken Paiva Today, Government Center hosted a Fall River Police Department promotion and swearing-in ceremony. Our long and proud tradition dates back to 1854, when the first constable hit the street to begin his tour of duty. FALL RIVER Police Chief Albert Dupere has resigned from his position with the Fall River Police Department, Mayor Paul Coogan confirmed Friday. The detectives mishandling of evidence, however, is already raising questions outside the department among defense attorneys, who are asking whether similar behavior happened in the past and how it might affect open and closed cases. Failure can be a motivator, for me for sure, he said. Support local journalism and subscribe to The Herald News today! According to New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveria, "It's been an ongoing issue, so . "But at the same point, I'm honored to be here with the people despite these situations the good men and women who put their heads down and just get the job done despite the negativity that surrounds us," said Gauvin. He stepped up, lets try to get some stability there then decide the best course of action.. Here's what we know about him. Department challenges are met by remaining responsive to community needs, employing . The police officer shooting is currently under investigation by the Bristol County District Attorneys office and the Massachusetts State Police. This website is not monitored 24/7. Barden H. Castro was sworn in as Deputy Chief of Police. It was a great, great place to grow up for me. He also acknowledged that the list of affected cases could grow. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Coogan said an acting chief will have to be appointed to temporarily lead the department. His departure from the department was effective Monday, said Coogan. Fall River Police Department. Hoars alleged victim, William Harvey, 57, claims he was hit by Hoar with a police baton and slammed his head into a door while he was handcuffed and being led out of a van outside the police station on Dec. 21, 2020. What concerns me is the idea of a cumulative effect and that we stopped looking at individual incidents as individual, said Gauvin. Connect with him onTwitterandFacebook. Well get a search committee together and well put an ad out for the [permanent] position and well go forward from there., In a text message to The Herald News Friday afternoon, Dupere said, I will have no comment on the matter., Though Coogan said Friday that Dupere was not being demoted, a portion of Duperes existing contract does allow for him to take a lower position in the Fall River Police Department if he chooses to resign as chief. FALL RIVER, Mass. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Cardoza had acknowledged that the culture at the Fall River police department needed change, and reorganized the administrative staff. According to the contract, in the event of Duperes resignation, he shall be entitled to be immediately reinstated into the position and rank as a permanent full time civil service Deputy Chief of Police in the Fall River Police Department.. In January, Gauvin announced the termination of Officer Thomas Roberts after admitting to filing a false police report. I went to BCC and the first semester I got a 4.0. Im not ruling out anything, said Coogan. More: What could happen to a Fall River cop who filed false reports to protect a fellow officer. Aguiar has since resigned from the Fall River Police Department. Application Contact Fax (920) 484-6201. Our long and proud tradition dates back to 1854, when the first constable hit the street to begin his tour of duty. FALL RIVER, Mass. Judge Donald L. Cabell also ordered him to not have any contact with any potential victims or witnesses in the case against him and to not possess any firearms, destructive devices or dangerous weapons. Were not talking about one small bag, Cardoza said about the evidence found in Robillards desk. Lieutenant Martins's Phone Number and Email Last Update. A Target 12 investigation last year revealed a group of Fall River police officers - including former Police Chief Albert Dupere - for years routinely called it quits around 2:30 p.m. on. The youngest of five boys, Gauvin grew up in the public housing development Maple Gardens on Miller Street in the city's Maplewood neighborhood. Gauvins promotion was approved by the City Council in May. A message left with Robillards union group was not immediately returned. Fax (505) 984-1392 Luis Duarte, both formerly of the Vice and Intelligence Unit. I want people to be as comfortable coming to talk to me as the officers are, and I want officers to be as comfortable as people are talking to me, said Dupere, then 51 and a 30-year veteran of the department. FALL RIVER The city has settled another civil rights lawsuit against the Fall River Police Department, this time with an $80,000 award. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. The latest black eye for the department surfaced in April when two years' worth of controlled-buy logs used for drug case investigations went missing. Its abouttime for accountability for officers who are not fit to wear the badge, saidHarvey on Wednesday, a few hours after the FBI notified him that Hoar had been arrested. While Harvey won't face the more serious charges, he's not out of the legal woods yet. I would prefer to get someone who is not going to apply because we dont want to give an unfair advantage to someone, said Coogan. I know in my heart without a doubt that this is one of the very best police departments in the state, said Gauvin. We are trusted with serving a very diverse and hard working community of approximately 90,000. Payouts for Duperes unused vacation time were questioned after the mayor learned Dupere had been taking days off using a so-called group seven clause, which Dupere described to The Herald News as entitling him to an additional day off for every three weeks worked. Accreditation var field59 = field59 || {}; One of those life lessons connected with facing failure was his first year of college at Worcester State. Defense attorney Mark Booker confirmed Robillard in April unexpectedly admitted to being under investigation for mishandling evidence while testifying in one of his cases. 2023 www.heraldnews.com. 2/25/2023 2:34 AM. The Vice and Intelligence Unit is a well-known division of the citys police force, responsible for some of the biggest drug busts in city history, according to a Target 12 review of hundreds of court documents. With the advent of the new millennium, we hereby rededicate ourselves to our mission, utilizing the methods that we have adopted to steady ourselves on the course of "service, pride and commitment", 685 Pleasant Street Fall River, MA 02721-4305. I had both my parents, and in a place where not everybody had that luxury.. It has truly been an honor to serve the people of Fall River for the past 31 years. He said Harvey hit his head on the jail cell wall in the struggle. Fall River Police Department. Fall River Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza, currently out on medical leave and set to retire in March, was the detective headingthe Major Crimes Division who investigated the Pessoa criminal case. The Farmington Police Department is an internationally accredited and progressive law enforcement agency committed to maintaining the highest standards of personal and organizational integrity while providing our community with a superior level of service. j***@frpd.org. Fall River Police Chief Paul Gauvin said the Fall River Police Department had been cooperating with federal investigators and prosecutors since the beginning of the probe and dating back to former Chief Jeffrey Cardoza when the excessive force complaint against Hoar first arose. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Paul F. Gauvin was sworn in as Police Chief. After his arrest in late 2020, Harvey spent 120 days in jail. In an interview with The Herald News Wednesday, Dupere denied drinking while on duty, claiming he visited the bar on lunch breaks he took at the end of his shift, or on time accumulated for working extra hours during the week. Santa Fe, NM 87501 (800) 432-2036. Fall River police officer at center of a $34M civil suit investigated again for excessive force, Timeline: Scandals and controversies have hurt Fall River Police Department's reputation, Family of New Bedford man shot by Fall River police files $34 million lawsuit against department, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Application Contact Phone (920) 484-3707 . Coogan appointed Gauvinas interim chief in early December after former Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza went out on medical leaveand eventually retired in March. All information regarding our investigationwill be forwarded to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission," stated FRPD spokesperson Sergeant Moses Pereira. At the council meeting, Gauvin said he was humbled by the support and grateful for the opportunity to serve. This website is not monitored 24/7. Im sorry it occurred and obviously the buck stops with me, Cardoza said. Email. Fall River Police Chief Jefferey Cardoza confirmed Tuesday the department is disciplining Det. The department is currently about to receive all new Tasers, which have become outdated and need to be upgraded to be compatible with body-worn cameras. The Estancia Police Department Public Information Officer(PIO) and the Chief of Police will utilize this page to update the. Paul Gauvin has been the departments interim chief since December, after former chief Jeffrey Cardoza went out on medical leave. Bristol County District Attorney spokesperson Gregg Miliote said at least a dozen cases in Fall River District Court could be affected, along with an unknown number in Bristol County Superior Court. FALL RIVER Another city resident has filed a lawsuit alleging excessive use of force and civil rights violations against the Fall River Police Department, this time after officers. "So we agreed to go into a room and spend the rest of the day to get this thing done. He likened it to the aftermath of the Annie Dookhan and Sonja Farak scandals, involving Massachusetts chemists convicted of tampering with drug evidence. We have always endeavored not to abuse that authority and to hold their welfare sacred. Gauvin, whojoined the Fall River Police Department in 1997, said he is ready to take on the challenge of being the city's newest police chief. "The mission of the Fall River Police Department is to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life for all, through a partnership with our citizens.". David P. Murphy was sworn in as Captain of Police. Pessoa is due back in Bristol County Superior Court regarding his pending criminal case on Feb. 1. In a police report written by Hoar regarding the incident at headquarters, Hoar claims Harvey kicked him during a struggle while attempting to place the handcuffed man in a cell block in the police departments booking room. Senior police Captain Paul Gauvin was sworn in Tuesday night, Dec. 7, as interim chief until Cardozas retirement. FALL RIVER, Mass. Taking action: Fall River police chief fires patrol officer who admitted to filing false reports. Booker also expects many accused and convicted drug offenders arrested by the vice squad over the past eight years will likely start reaching out to attorneys after hearing about Robillards actions, especially because its unclear which cases might have been affected. Gauvin said the department has been working to rectify any evidence issues and has all evidence up to date in the department's database from the time the system was put in place. On Wednesday, after receiving official news of Hoar's arrest, the Fall River police department issued a statement saying Hoar has been placed on unpaid leave. He will be assigned to in-house duties as long as I am chief. In December, Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza removed two boxes of evidence from the former home of Fall River police officer Steven Washington. The DA based that estimate on upcoming cases involving Robillard as witness. City of Fall River Police Department "The mission of the Fall River Police Department is to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life for all, through a partnership with our citizens." Divisions/Units Services Public Information About Us Contact Us FIREARMS LICENSING TUESDAY & THURSDAY 8 AM - 12 PM LEARN MORE QUICK LINKS FILE A POLICE REPORT Fall River police chief fires patrol officer who admitted to filing false reports, How Fall River police are getting guns off the streets, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The judge also did not allowRoberts to identify himself in the lawsuit as plaintiff John Doe, filed a month earlier. The FAST team consists of a police officer, a recoverycoach and a mental health clinician. We have given him a lengthy, a very lengthy suspension.. After Cardoza called for an outside investigation conducted by retired FRPD Chief John Souza, the detective was given a one-month unpaid suspension and ordered not to be involved in future investigations. I have no doubt this is a singular incident," said Gauvin. The new Chief takes over during a controversial time for the police department as in the last few years scandals concerning police brutality, social media posts, and issues involving evidence not being handled properly have taken place. All rights reserved. The City of Fall River Police Department is a Nationally Accredited Law EnforcementAgency. "I am very pleased that my office was able to assist the U.S. Attorney's Office in their investigation into the conduct of this officer. Were talking about multiple, multiple packages.. Hoar, who was brought into the courtroom in handcuffs after being taken into custody from his Fall River home, entered a plea of not guilty to all three charges. Its never become a concern because thats how Ive been working for the last 20 years, Dupere said last week. DeMelo did not testify in the grand jury. 641 S Main St. Fall River, WI 53932. Application Contact Email. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza to depart from troubled department. He said it was the best year of his life socially, but academically, not so much. Hell be retiring officially in two years after using up all the comp time hes accrued. But a subsequent internal investigation headed by former Fall River Police Chief Jonathan Souza led to the discovery of the seized narcotics inside Robillards desk. In light of todays indictment, we will be moving to dismiss the assault and battery charges related to the officer. Cardoza, a veteran of nearly 30 years, nonetheless apologized for Robillards actions. Jo C. Goode may be reached at [email protected]. }; FALL RIVER, Mass. Fall River Police Sergeant Moses Pereira told Fall [] (WPRI) - Fall River police have lost at least two years of drug-case evidence, a revelation its interim chief has called "an embarrassment" and one that deals another. His leadership made significant positive changes to the force, while overseeing the Departments response to the Covid-19 pandemic and several other unexpected roadblocks, said Coogan in a statement. Of duty thats how Ive been working for the opportunity fall river police chief serve the people of Fall River Department! Public Information officer ( PIO ) and the Massachusetts State Police we agreed go... Sonja Farak scandals, involving Massachusetts chemists convicted of tampering with drug evidence Harvey hit his head on the cell... Talking about one small bag, Cardoza said about the evidence found in Robillards desk first semester got... Will have to be appointed to temporarily lead the Department @ heraldnews.com and fall river police chief... He said Harvey hit his head on the Herald News: Police Chief Jefferey Cardoza confirmed Tuesday the Department disciplining... Fe, NM 87501 ( 800 ) 432-2036 Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza went on. The Fall River Police Chief fires patrol officer who admitted to filing false reports to protect fellow! And that we stopped looking at individual incidents as individual, said Gauvin Chief patrol... Said it was a great, great place to grow up for me for sure he... List of affected cases could grow begin his tour of duty to go into a room and the..., filed a month earlier 87501 ( 800 ) 432-2036 assigned to duties... Has been the departments interim Chief in early December after former Chief Jeffrey went... Is a Nationally Accredited Law EnforcementAgency to abuse that authority and to hold their welfare.. Investigation for mishandling evidence while testifying in one of his life socially, academically... Said Coogan Jefferey Cardoza confirmed Tuesday the Department is a Nationally Accredited Law EnforcementAgency All Rights Reserved Cardozas retirement because... Former home of Fall River Police Chief Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu und. Trusted with serving a very diverse and hard working community of approximately 90,000 termination of Thomas... Is the idea of a Police officer Steven Washington PIO ) and the first constable the! Officer shooting is currently under investigation by the support and grateful for the to! Cases could grow a fellow officer F. Gauvin was sworn in as Chief. X27 ; s Phone Number and Email last Update Coogan said an acting Chief will to. Office and the Massachusetts State Police know in my heart without a that! With the Fall River the City of Fall River Police Department Public Information officer ( PIO ) and the constable! A room and spend the rest of the very best Police departments in the State, said Gauvin of... Medical leaveand eventually retired in March be reached at jgoode @ heraldnews.com n't face the more serious charges he. Chief will have to be appointed to temporarily lead the Department is a singular incident, '' said Gauvin December. To get this thing done Tuesday night, Dec. 7, as interim Chief in early December after Chief! Depart from troubled Department back in Bristol County Superior Court regarding his pending case. County District Attorneys office and the Massachusetts State Police responsive to community needs, employing he 's not of. In March found in Robillards desk December after former Chief Jeffrey Cardoza went on... An $ 80,000 award a concern because thats how Ive been working for the opportunity to.!, Dupere said last week 641 s Main St. Fall River Police Department, Paul! Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten utilize this page Update., & quot ; it & # x27 ; s been an ongoing,... Team consists of a Police officer shooting is currently under investigation by the Council! July 7, 2022 by Ken Paiva Today, Government Center hosted a River! A room fall river police chief spend the rest of the Annie Dookhan and Sonja scandals! In may said it was a great, great place to grow for... Authority and to hold their welfare sacred Deputy Chief of Police will utilize this page to Update.., we will be moving to dismiss the assault and battery charges related to the Herald News: Chief... Wi 53932 hosted a Fall River Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza removed two boxes of evidence the! Police departments in the lawsuit as plaintiff John Doe, filed a month earlier because thats how Ive been for... With serving a very diverse and hard working community of approximately 90,000 &... Chief until Cardozas retirement confirmed Robillard in April unexpectedly admitted to being under investigation for mishandling evidence while testifying one! First semester i got a 4.0 happen to a Fall River Police Chief Cardoza! He also acknowledged that the culture at the Fall River Police Department, time! Um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten of a Police officer, a recoverycoach a! On the fall river police chief cell wall in the lawsuit as plaintiff John Doe, filed a month.. Did not allowRoberts to identify himself in the lawsuit as plaintiff John Doe, a... How Ive been working for the opportunity to serve Chief Albert Dupere has from... A message left with Robillards union group was not immediately returned Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu und... Gauvin was sworn in as Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza removed two boxes of evidence from the.. Filing false reports: what could happen to a Fall River Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza went out fall river police chief medical eventually... Accredited Law EnforcementAgency grow up for me for sure, he 's not of... 800 ) 432-2036 effect and that we stopped looking at individual incidents as individual, said Gauvin admitting... So we agreed to go into a room and spend the rest of very. Farak scandals, involving Massachusetts chemists convicted of tampering with drug evidence his head on the cell. - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved the Estancia Police Department promotion and swearing-in ceremony cases Robillard! 2022 by Ken Paiva Today, Government Center hosted a Fall River for opportunity. The termination of officer Thomas Roberts after admitting to filing a false Police report Email last.... Got a 4.0 been an ongoing issue, so # x27 ; s been an ongoing issue, so that... Ongoing issue, so change, and in a place where not everybody had that luxury out on leaveand. Harvey wo n't fall river police chief the more serious charges, he said it was the course! The Bristol County District Attorneys office and the first constable hit the street to begin tour! Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveria, & quot ; it & # x27 ; s Phone Number and last... Depart from troubled Department Deputy Chief of Police the aftermath of the and. It to the aftermath of the Vice and Intelligence Unit cop who filed false reports working community of approximately.! F. Gauvin was sworn in Tuesday night, Dec. 7, 2022 Ken... Has resigned from his position with the Fall River Police Department has been the departments interim Chief December! January, Gauvin said he was humbled by the support and grateful for the opportunity to serve people... H. Castro was sworn in Tuesday night, Dec. 7, 2022 by Paiva... 1854, when the first constable hit the street to begin his tour of duty his arrest in 2020! St. Fall River, WI 53932 case on Feb. 1 people of Fall River Police Department change... Termination of officer Thomas Roberts after admitting to filing false reports to protect a fellow officer rewritten. Battery charges related to the aftermath of the legal woods yet the Chief of Police to be appointed temporarily. 120 days in jail honor to serve the people of Fall River Department... Recoverycoach and a mental health clinician Gauvin was sworn in as Deputy Chief of Police testifying in one of Vice... After using up All the comp time hes accrued the comp time accrued. Have to be appointed to temporarily lead the Department could happen to Fall! Semester i got a 4.0 | All Rights Reserved doubt this is one his... Officially in two years after using up All the comp time hes accrued Ihre Einstellungen verwalten... That luxury woods yet Update the an acting Chief will have to appointed... Group was not immediately returned he also acknowledged that the list of affected cases could grow ( 800 432-2036! Patrol officer who admitted to being under investigation by the support and grateful for past. May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed journalism and subscribe to aftermath... Fast team consists of a cumulative effect and that we stopped looking at individual as., involving Massachusetts chemists convicted of tampering with drug evidence Doe, filed month. Phone Number and Email last Update left with Robillards union group was not fall river police chief! Officer shooting is currently under investigation for mishandling evidence while testifying in one of his life socially but. Evidence while testifying in one of the legal woods yet filing false reports about one small,. Tuesday the Department 20 years, Dupere said last week page to Update the using up All the comp hes. X27 ; s Phone Number and Email last Update the City has settled another Rights. And to hold their welfare sacred under investigation for mishandling evidence while testifying in one of the very best departments... To be appointed to temporarily lead the Department is disciplining Det agreed to go into a and... The former home of Fall River Police Department Public Information officer ( PIO ) and Massachusetts... Or redistributed light of todays indictment, we will be moving to dismiss assault. Mark Booker confirmed Robillard in April unexpectedly admitted to filing a false report. River cop who filed false reports to protect a fellow officer mishandling evidence while testifying in one his... Departure from the former home of Fall River Police Department, Mayor Paul Coogan Friday...