Salisbury City Council has received increased correspondence surrounding the Salisbury Police Department’s use of no-knock warrants, most recently as it relates to the Ferguson Laurent Jr. officer-involved shooting.

City Council hears the concerns of the community.

While we maintain that we cannot discuss the specifics of the Laurent case until the SBI investigation is completed, we have asked our city attorney to receive counsel from the North Carolina Attorney General regarding the City Council’s perceived authority to direct or suspend specific tactics utilized by the police department.

It has been brought to our attention that a similar policy change was voted upon by a City Council in another North Carolina municipality. The policy change was in direct contradiction to state law, and therefore prompted a letter from the state Attorney General. The policy change was subsequently overturned.

The Salisbury City Council is dedicated to equality and fairness to all of its citizens. As well, the City of Salisbury is committed to assuring that its law enforcement officers have the ability to protect all citizens and themselves from harm, combat crime, and to assure adherence to all Constitutional safeguards.

No decision or vote will be conducted regarding no-knock warrants in the City of Salisbury until the North Carolina Attorney General provides an opinion on Salisbury City Council’s legal authority.