Brockton’s new police chief Emanuel Gomes to reach out to immigrants
This post is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
BROCKTON — Brockton’s new police chief came to the United States from Portugal as a child. He knows the challenges faced by immigrants.
So it wasn’t a surprise that after being sworn in as interim police chief on Feb. 10, Emanuel Gomes said he wants to focus on reaching out to Brockton’s immigrant communities and diversifying the police force with bilingual officers.
“Whenever you’ve lived through (the immigrant experience) … you’re very compassionate about that,” he said.
Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti said it was the 25-year police department veteran’s communication skills with state and federal agencies that set him apart as a candidate. In choosing an interim chief, she wanted someone who could work easily with outside agencies.
“So many of the strides we’ve made with those (drug) sweeps are collective efforts, because we don’t have the resources,” she said.
If Gomes, 49, does his job well, Balzotti said he’ll be the top candidate for the permanent post.
Gomes already knows what it’s like to work as interim police chief. He has overseen operations of the police department and its 177 officers on several occasions in the chief’s absence.
“I’ve been proud every day that I’ve been here throughout my career,” Gomes said.
Gomes began his career as a patrolman in 1986. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in April 1997. He became a lieutenant in July 2000, and promoted to captain in April 2002.
Gomes moved to Brockton’s Campello section at age 8. He attended city schools, and graduated from Brockton High School in 1981.
He earned associate and bachelor degrees in criminal justice from Massasoit Community College and Roger Williams University, respectively.
He said he chose to continue working as a police officer in Brockton because of his roots in the city. As a child, he said, he looked up to police officers patrolling streets near his home.
“I’m an immigrant. This is where I grew up … I not only wanted to be a cop, I wanted to be a Brockton cop,” he said. “This is where it’s at.”
Gomes was beaming after taking his oath of office in the City Council Chambers at City Hall in front of a packed house of public safety officials. He embraced his wife and daughter and later spoke to his son, who is in Coast Guard training out of state, on the phone.
“I’m feeling the way you think I’m feeling,” he said after the ceremony. “I’m honored that the mayor gave me the opportunity to take the job.”
Gomes becomes just the third police chief since 1992, taking over for William Conlon, the city’s top cop since 2006.
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