:: Chief of Police  

Chief Souza was born and raised in Fall River. He graduated from St. Patrick’s School in 1971, and from Durfee High School in 1975. He went on to Bristol Community College graduating in 1977 with an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. While at Bristol Community College, Chief Souza received the Charles Crowshaw Memorial Award for academic excellence and leadership. He then attended Bryant College of Business Administration and earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice graduating magna cum laude in 1979. While at Bryant, he was on the Dean’s list in all semesters.

In May 1995, Chief Souza graduated summa cum laude from New England School of Law with a Juris Doctor. He was first of one hundred and one in his class, Valedictorian, and earned the Amos L. Taylor award for excellence in scholarship. He was on the Dean’s list in all semesters, and recognized for being in the top ten percent of his class. He also served as a staff member and case editor of the New England Law review.

The Chief has been a guest lecturer on criminal justice issues at Salva Regina University, Bristol Community College, and Westport High School. He has lectured on Constitutional issues for the Westport Citizen’s Police Academy and the Fall River Police Department’s in-service training for police officers and dispatchers.

Chief Souza began his career in law enforcement in 1980 as a police officer in Fall River. After completing the police academy, he was assigned to the Uniform Division nights. During that time, he apprehended a fugitive wanted for murder in the state of Rhode Island.

In 1985, Officer Souza was promoted to the rank of sergeant and remained assigned to the Uniform Division night watch as a patrol supervisor. He was responsible for providing direction and control to the patrol officers on duty. During this time, Sergeant Souza received two commendations for his supervision of a homicide investigation and the arrest and conviction of two violent armed robbery suspects. He also volunteered and trained as a member of the pilot group of police department peer councilors, part of an employee assistance program offered by Family Services. This program exists today and has provided assistance to many officers.

In May of 1987, Sergeant Souza was transferred to the Major Crimes Division where he was responsible for the supervision and case direction of 16 detectives. While assigned to the Major Crimes Division, he earned a commendation for directing a double homicide investigation resulting in the arrest and conviction of three suspects for murder. He also received an Official resolution from the Fall River City Council for his supervision of an investigation into a series of armed robberies that led to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. In addition, he developed and appeared on a weekly crime prevention and information show called "Police Beat" on local cable television. The show provides information to the public local criminal activity, crime prevention and public safety and still airs today.

In January of 1991, Sergeant Souza was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He was assigned to the Uniform Division night watch where he was responsible for the supervision of all on duty patrol officer as the highest-ranking officer on duty. In November of 1994, he was transferred to the Major Crimes Division as the second in command. He worked with the United States Secret Service as the officer in charge of a contingent of Fall River officers assigned to the security detail for the visits of the President and the Vice President of the United States of America to Fall River.

In September of 1998, Lieutenant Souza was given commanded of the Department’s Office of Professional Standards. In this assignment, he reported directly to the Chief of Police and was responsible for the investigation of all complaints of alleged misconduct by any member of the Fall River Police Department.

In January of 1999, Lieutenant Souza was promoted to the rank of captain and given command of the Major Crimes Division. He now had the responsibility of overseeing the entire division and coordinating with outside agencies in the investigation of all major felony cases. In October of 2000, Captain Souza was invited to participate in a Portuguese-American workshop in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores entitled "Domestic Violence, A Problem Without Borders" along with other legal professionals including judges, probation officers, attorneys and social workers.

In December of 2000, Captain Souza was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police. He was given command of the Staff Services Division which includes twelve separate units and approximately seventy personnel who handle functions such as communications, E911, department computer systems, record-keeping, cruiser maintenance, building maintenance, jail and prisoner welfare, the training office, the safety office, and the planning office.

On April 20, 2001, Deputy Souza was appointed Chief of the Fall River Police Department. Since assuming his duties as Chief, he has made several significant changes in the way police services are delivered, and he remains committed to maintaining a high level of service to the citizens of Fall River.