Jason Thody, who previously served as Hartford’s police chief, has been appointed to lead the New Bedford Police Department in Massachusetts.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell made the announcement Tuesday, highlighting Thody’s experience leading Hartford through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of civil unrest. Thody, 49, spent 28 years with the Hartford Police Department and served as chief from 2019 until stepping down in 2024.
“Chief Thody’s track record in Hartford, a city similar to New Bedford in many respects, speaks for itself,” Mayor Mitchell said. He credited Thody’s focus on accountability, data-driven policing, and transparency for achieving notable results, including:
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A 31% drop in violent crime
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The department’s release from judicial oversight
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Earning both state and national accreditation
Under Thody’s leadership, Hartford’s police department operated with a force of 475 sworn officers and a $53 million budget.
In February, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam announced that former Chief James Rovella would serve as interim chief while the city searched for a permanent replacement. The city had initially hired Philadelphia police captain Tyrell McCoy, but he withdrew from the position after a sexual harassment investigation came to light.
Thody expressed enthusiasm about his new role in southeastern Massachusetts.
“I’m honored to accept the role of New Bedford Police Chief,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the men and women of the NBPD, engaging with residents, and working with both supporters and critics to help make New Bedford a safer city.”
Thody’s appointment follows the retirement of former New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira, who had served in the role since 2021.
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