Dugan Arnett

Since then, a state regulation has been put in place that prevents police departments from purging records for active duty officers. But in 2021, there was nothing to stop Oliveira.

Since then, a state regulation has been put in place that prevents police departments from purging records for active duty officers. But in 2021, there was nothing to stop Oliveira.

Last summer, New Bedford Mayor John Mitchell took to local radio to make this announcement.

Last summer, New Bedford Mayor John Mitchell took to local radio to make this announcement.

This contract extension was a show of confidence in the chief and would keep him in place through 2027.

This contract extension was a show of confidence in the chief and would keep him in place through 2027.

But shortly after we started promoting this investigative podcast, things changed, and there was another surprise announcement. Chief Oliveira is retiring early. He didn't say why he's leaving two years before his contract expires, but my police sources are pretty confident it's because of this investigation.

But shortly after we started promoting this investigative podcast, things changed, and there was another surprise announcement. Chief Oliveira is retiring early. He didn't say why he's leaving two years before his contract expires, but my police sources are pretty confident it's because of this investigation.

And while neither the chief nor the mayor will talk to me directly, they have responded publicly to the reporting.

And while neither the chief nor the mayor will talk to me directly, they have responded publicly to the reporting.

Mayor Mitchell appeared on South Coast now.

Mayor Mitchell appeared on South Coast now.

Mitchell spoke in defense of Oliveira, who he knew from the old days, when the mayor was a federal prosecutor, and Oliveira was a rising star in the department.

Mitchell spoke in defense of Oliveira, who he knew from the old days, when the mayor was a federal prosecutor, and Oliveira was a rising star in the department.

While Mitchell claimed the Globe's reporting was based on a false narrative, he also said the city would refer the Globe's work to the FBI for review.

While Mitchell claimed the Globe's reporting was based on a false narrative, he also said the city would refer the Globe's work to the FBI for review.

I want to give the last word of this podcast to the informants, the ones who risk their lives by talking. There's Daniel, who's still in prison, worried about the wrong person finding out he was an informant.

I want to give the last word of this podcast to the informants, the ones who risk their lives by talking. There's Daniel, who's still in prison, worried about the wrong person finding out he was an informant.

And Carly Medeiros, who wants other informants to hear her story.

And Carly Medeiros, who wants other informants to hear her story.