City of Fall River Police Department

07/24/2024

This morning, the 76th Recruit Officers Class of the MPTC Plymouth Police Academy held its graduation ceremonies.

Among the graduates, were the 11 newest members of the Fall River Police Department.

They will begin the next phase of their training on Monday morning. They will spend one week with the training coordinator, Lt. Joseph Galvao reviewing department policies and procedures, followed by a twelve-week Field Training & Evaluation Program.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Matthew Cabral-Barbosa, Officer Anyeric Castillo, Officer Logan Arruda, Officer Taylor Carreiro, Officer Ronaldo Mendes, Officer Christopher Rosa, Officer Zhade Belcher, Officer India Cote, Officer Brandon Andrade, Officer David Silvia III, and Officer Dylan Viera-Owens.

07/23/2024

On July 23, 1973, Officer John W. Ruggiero was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle on Boutwell Street at 3:30 am.

He had observed the car driving without lights and began to follow the car. The vehicle pulled into a parking lot and two men jumped out and ran towards Officer Ruggiero's patrol car while shooting at him. The suspects, 26 and 34, were apprehended a short time later. The youngest was sentenced to life.

Officer Ruggiero was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Fall River Police Department for almost three years. His son, Sergeant John P. Ruggiero is an active member of the Fall River Police Department.

Lest we forget.

07/23/2024

Another amazing night, spending time with the kids before tonight’s showing of Barbie at Father Diaferio Village.

We hope to see you next week at Heritage Heights for some fun followed by The Haunted Mansion.

07/23/2024

07/19/2024

Yesterday, Chief Gauvin met with our senior research partners from the crime and justice institute who assist us with developing strategies for gang and community engagement as a part of the Shannon Grant.

07/19/2024

Yesterday, members of our Housing Unit were on hand for the cookout at Pleasant View. They had a great time interacting with the residents.

07/16/2024

Week 2 of Teen Police Academy began with a lesson from our friends at the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing.

07/16/2024

Another Job Well Done!!

07/16/2024

On July 16, 1852, Constable Gideon Manchester was shot and killed as he attempted to confront a suspect who was burglarizing Fall River stores.

The burglar was seen breaking into numerous businesses and stealing approximately $500 in cash in the early morning hours. Constable Manchester confronted him and attempted to place him under arrest, but the suspect drew a pistol and fired striking Constable Manchester and mortally wounding him.

The suspect was later arrested and convicted of murdering Constable Manchester.

Lest we forget.

07/16/2024

Great night for a movie under the stars!!

07/15/2024

There’s nothing better than a game of catch, while you await showtime.

It’s not too late to come on down to Maple Gardens. Tonight’s showing of The Little Mermaid begins at 8pm.

07/13/2024

After 29 years of honorable service to our community, Officer Alan Correiro has officially retired.

Please join us in wishing him a happy and healthy retirement.

07/12/2024

Today, our Cadets in the Teen Police Academy took a field trip to Gillette Stadium where they did some PT, participated in a tour of the field, Hall of Fame, and the lighthouse.

It was an amazing end to the week. Our academy instructors are looking forward to week 2 with these amazing young men and women.

07/10/2024

We had an amazing group of visitors today from the Citizens for Citizens Home Daycare Program. They delivered the most amazing piece of artwork to show their appreciation for our officers.

Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us!!!

07/09/2024

Today was our second day of Teen Police Academy. Special Thank you to Fall River EMS for teaching vital lifesaving skills through CPR and First Aid training.

The program offers our youth an opportunity to engage in modified police training exercises. Through these exercises they gain an understanding of the emotional, physical and mental challenges police officers face daily.

The academy also provides components focused on leadership development, conflict resolution, and community engagement.

The academy run through July 19, 2024, culminating with a graduation ceremony.

07/05/2024

07/05/2024

Great turnout from the community, celebrating the 4th of July. Stay safe everyone and celebrate responsibly.

Update: Fireworks display will be at 9:30pm

07/01/2024

On July 1, 1925, Mounted Policeman Armand Dufresne died of injuries he received when he fell from his horse while returning to police headquarters.

When the horse slipped on North Main Street, Policeman Dufresne hit his head on the pavement. Thirty minutes later, he succumbed to his injuries at the Fall River General Hospital.

We thank Officer Dufresne for his years of service to our Department and the City of Fall River.

06/28/2024

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting on Tremont Street last night.

06/26/2024

Here is a Press Release Issued by the Massachusetts State Police regarding an investigation conducted by our Major Crimes Division in which a Fall River 1-Year-Old Child was Recovered in Alabama.

Commonwealth Fusion Center and Fall River Police shared actionable intelligence with Alabama peers in multi-state investigation

FRAMINGHAM – Today, the Massachusetts State Police announced details of a multi-state investigation in collaboration with the Fall River Police Department that resulted in the safe recovery of a 1-year-old child:

On the morning of June 20, 2024, Genezza Packett was visiting her 1-year-old son who lives in the custody of her aunt. Packett told her aunt that she was going to take her son to a local Dunkin’ and return to the apartment. After several hours, Fall River Police received a report that the pair never returned, and the child could be in danger.

Fall River Detectives relayed the information to the Commonwealth Watch Center, a Massachusetts State Police intelligence sharing function within the Fusion Center, and requested an Amber Activation. Although Packett made no threats against her child, detectives feared for his safety because his mother is not his legal custodian and the investigation revealed 5 active felony warrants against her for various, non-violent crimes.

In the Watch Center, the on-call Amber Alert Coordinator received this information and determined that the incident did not meet the Amber Alert criteria. Shortly after midnight in the early hours of Friday, June 21, the Watch Center used location technology to locate Packett’s cell phone on Route 81 in Virginia.

Members of Packett’s family shared information with law enforcement that Genezza may have been traveling to other family in Mississippi. The Watch Center contacted the Virginia State Police to relay the latest information, including Packett’s vehicle information and the fact that she was traveling with a suspended Massachusetts license.

Later in the morning, the Fusion Center distributed the Fall River Police’s bulletin to every state partner from Massachusetts to Mississippi through the Homeland Security Information Network Exchange. Two hours later, an intelligence analyst at the Alabama Fusion Center contacted the Watch Center seeking additional information to locate the suspect and child. She replied to Massachusetts officials that, although Alabama license plate readers did not detect the vehicle, local law enforcement maintained situational awareness.

Fall River Police detectives continued to liaise with the Alabama Fusion Center and shared when cell phone data confirmed that the suspect and child were travelling through Alabama on Interstate 59. The Alabama Fusion Center relayed location information to the State Highway Patrol who quickly located the vehicle, suspect, and child who was safe.

The success of this mission to secure a 1-year-old child in danger illustrates the importance of sharing actionable intelligence across local and state law enforcement. The Massachusetts State Police commend our partners in Fall River, Virginia, and Alabama for their extraordinary coordination.

Media Contact: Tim McGuirk, Interim Director of Media Relations, Massachusetts State Police, [email protected]

06/22/2024

Earlier today, a young seagull got his leg stuck in the lighting at a shopping Plaza on Mariano Bishop Boulevard.

The injured bird could be seen hanging upside down from the light unable to free itself.

Thanks to our electrician Alex Vorn, and our amazing Animal Control Officers the seagull has been freed and transported safely to the Humane Society to care for its injured leg.

We would also like to thank the concerned citizens who alerted us to this.

06/21/2024

Last night, Officers John Aguiar and Peter Cummings Jr. had a great time with the kids at the Kite Night event at the Sen. Thomas Norton City Pier.

06/21/2024

A very special thank you to The Acores Family Restaurant for the delicious food delivery this morning.

We thank you for your generosity and support.

06/20/2024

Here's another job well done.

This person was so impressed that she posted about it on a Facebook Group and left a voice mail expressing how grateful she was for the Officer's professionalism.

06/20/2024

We would like to thank Christopher's for another delivery of delicious baked goodies.

We truly appreciate the love and support.

06/18/2024

Update: The Massachusetts 911 system has been restored, and the public may now resume calling 911 for emergencies.

06/18/2024

Be advised 9-1-1 services are currently down statewide.

If you require Fall River Police, EMS, or Fire Department you may dial 508-676-8511 until further notice.

Thank you!!