"We are the guardians of safe care for our community."
"We are the guardians of safe care for our community."

About Us

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The New Bedford Community Health Department of Public Safety is dedicated to protecting patients, staff, visitors, and the communities we serve across our health center campuses. Our officers provide a visible, professional security presence while supporting a safe, welcoming environment for care. We respond to a wide range of calls for service—from routine assistance and access control to medical emergencies, behavioral health incidents, elopements, and facility-related concerns. Our team works closely with clinical staff, facilities, and local partners including New Bedford Police, Fire, and EMS to coordinate fast, effective responses when help is needed. Beyond day-to-day security operations, we support emergency preparedness, incident reporting, officer training, and ongoing safety initiatives throughout the organization. Every interaction is handled with respect, discretion, and a strong commitment to patient privacy and HIPAA compliance. Whether you are a patient, visitor, or member of our staff, you can count on our team to be approachable, prepared, and ready to help. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911. For non-emergency public safety matters at our facilities, contact our department through the appropriate on-site channel or our non-emergency contact form.

Our Team

Photo of S.Massey

S.Massey

Director

smassey@gnbchc.org

Director Massey manages the Department of Public Safety and Patient Services. He has over 40 years of experience in security and law enforcement.

BLS CPR / AED Firearms Qualified First Aid MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior)
Photo of J.Brooks

J.Brooks

F.T.O.

janebrooks@gnbchc.org

Field Training Officer Brooks has an extensive law enforcement background. She is a certified F.T.O. and a trainer in all aspects of healthcare security.

BLS CPR / AED Firearms Qualified First Aid FTO / Field Training MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior)
Photo of D.Dowdell

D.Dowdell

L.P.S.O.

ddowdell@gnbchc.org

Lead Public Safety Officer Dowdell has an extensive work history with local youth development programs and juvenile detention. He is our floor supervisor.

CPI (Crisis Prevention) CPR / AED Firearms Qualified First Aid MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior)
Photo of H.Ortiz

H.Ortiz

P.S.O.

hortiz@gnbchc.org

Public Safety Officer Ortiz is our in-house computer expert. He is currently attending college classes to obtain his degree in Computer Science.

CPR / AED Firearms Qualified First Aid MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior)
Photo of J.Alves

J.Alves

P.S.O.

joealves@gnbchc.org

Public Safety Officer Alves is a part-time officer and comes from a corrections background.

CPR / AED Firearms Qualified First Aid MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior)
Photo of J.Pereira

J.Pereira

P.S.O.

julianpereira@gnbchc.org

Public Safety Officer Pereira is our Behavioral Health Officer. He is a plain clothes officer and works full time in our B.H. / Psych Unit.

BLS CPR / AED Firearms Qualified First Aid
Photo of K.Tirado

K.Tirado

P.S.O.

ktirado@gnbchc.org

Public Safety Officer Tirado has a long security career in healthcare settings. He is currently going to college to obtain his certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

BLS CPR / AED Firearms Qualified First Aid MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior)
Photo of L.DaCosta

L.DaCosta

P.S.O.

lucasdacosta@gnbchc.org

Public Safety Officer DaCosta is our newest addition to the department. He is currently being trained to be one of the best.

BLS CPR / AED Firearms Qualified First Aid