Derek Belong will be the new deputy police chief of the New Bedford Police Department.
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The role had been vacant since Adelino Sousa retired two years ago. In this position, Belong will oversee the daily functions of the department, including animal control, training programs, internal affairs, and patrol operations.
Belong joined the department in 2004 and brings more than 22 years of extensive law enforcement experience in patrol duties, investigative work, and senior leadership. He started his career as a patrol officer, later advancing to narcotics detective and serving as an ATF task force officer, where he honed skills in handling sophisticated criminal cases and coordinating with multiple agencies.
Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks and for the last two years has held the position of Assistant Deputy Chief. He also served as Acting Chief from May 2025 until Chief Jason Thody took office in July. Additionally, Belong has acted as Commanding Officer for two of the most prominent annual events in New Bedford, which are the New Bedford Half Marathon and the Madeira Feast.
Belong earned a master’s degree in criminal justice and co-owns a business that produces study materials and training resources for civil service promotional exams, in partnership with a retired New Bedford police officer.
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