Reading Police Name New Civil Rights Officer

READING, MA — The Reading Police Department has appointed Sgt. Patrick Silva its civil rights officer.

Silva began his new role on Thursday, Oct. 7. He serves as the liaison between the department and the community on civil rights matters, including the awareness, detection, prosecution and proper reporting of hate crimes and other constitutional violations. Additionally, he will lead civil rights training for other officers.

"I became a police officer for many reasons, but most importantly to protect and serve all residents. This new role will give me another avenue to accomplish this goal and have a positive impact on the community," Silva said in a statement. "It is truly an honor to be chosen for the position, and I pledge to protect the residents of Reading, as well as their rights and strive for fairness and equity for all."

Silva joined the Reading Police Department as an officer in 2009 and was promoted to sergeant in 2014. He works as an adjunct professor of criminology and criminal justice at Merrimack College.

"Our department is committed to fair and impartial policing practices, and Sgt. Silva will help us to achieve and ensure this through his new role," said Chief David Clark. "He has completed extensive civil rights training and is an expert on these matters. I am confident that he will hold the department to its highest standards."

Silva holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Salem State College, as well as a master's degree in criminal justice and a graduate certificate in forensic criminology from University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Residents may contact Sgt. Silva at psilva@ci.reading.ma.us or 781-942-6790 with questions and concerns regarding civil and constitutional rights.