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Your Salisbury Police Department is a full-service, internationally accredited Police Department.

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ADMINISTRATION

The Salisbury Police Department Administration bureau consists of the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, two Majors, two Lieutenants, three Sergeants, and a civilian Senior Management Analyst. The administration bureau is responsible for fiscal responsibilities, overall administrative management of the department, recruiting and hiring, internal affairs, and community engagement coordination.


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SERVICES

The Services Bureau consists of five divisions: General Investigations, Violent Crime Investigations, Vice/Narcotics, Neighborhood Crime Abatement Team (street crimes), and the Crime Lab.

 


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OPERATIONS

The Operations Bureau consists of Patrol Officers who play an important role in public service by protecting people and property, helping to deter and prevent crime, and improve quality of life issues. They are the first responders of law enforcement.


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Contact Us

Address:
130 E. Liberty St.
Salisbury, NC 28144

Emergencies: 911

Non-Emergencies: (704) 638-5333

Chief's Advisory Board Application


File a Commendation

The Salisbury Police Department has a division directly responsible for tracking Officer conduct, both good and bad. The Professional Compliance Division (Internal Affairs) is comprised of two persons, Captain Brian Stallings, Administrative Commander, and Cpl. Russell DeSantis, Professional Compliance Manager. This division is responsible for taking commendation and complaint reports, investigating allegations of misconduct, managing employee policy compliance and records keeping.

To file a commendation:

  • Call (704) 638-5333
    1. Request a supervisor or someone from Professional Compliance (Internal Affairs)
    2. Provide your commendation
  • Visit the City's online Service Nomination Form
    1. Fill out the nomination form and submit.

Once a commendation is received a Blue Team (Police Department Internal Conduct Tracking Software) entry is completed and the report is forwarded to the employee’s supervisor.

Anyone can contact Professional Compliance (Internal Affairs) directly. Professional compliance has a direct phone number, (704) 638-5344, and email address, internalaffairs@salisburync.gov.

File a Complaint

The Salisbury Police Department has a division directly responsible for tracking Officer conduct, both good and bad. The Professional Compliance Division (Internal Affairs) is comprised of two persons, Captain Brian Stallings, Administrative Commander, and Cpl. Russell DeSantis, Professional Compliance Manager. This division is responsible for taking commendation and complaint reports, investigating allegations of misconduct, managing employee policy compliance and records keeping.

To file a complaint:

  • Call (704) 638-5333
    1. Request a supervisor or someone from Professional Compliance (Internal Affairs)
    2. Provide your complaint

To file a professional standards complaint:

Once a commendation is received a Blue Team (Police Department Internal Conduct Tracking Software) entry is completed and the report is forwarded to professional compliance for review and investigation assignment.

Anyone can contact Professional Compliance (Internal Affairs) directly. Professional compliance has a direct phone number, (704) 638-5344, and email address, internalaffairs@salisburync.gov.

Report A Crime

Do you have information about a crime or wanted person? 

Tips may be sent by Facebook private message or by text. You can text 888777 with the words: TIP MYSALISBURY (your information). Visit the Nixle website for more detailed text options.

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Statistics and Reports

infographic of crime report for salisbury police department, year-to-date

Keep up to date with SPD data!

The Salisbury Police Department is committed to providing excellent service to our community by utilizing data to inform better policing practices. To this end, we are sharing our YTD Crime Report which compares YTD 2022 to YTD 2021 Part 1 crimes.

The SPD has also one of nine cities participating in a national program called Public Safety Partnership with the DOJ to receive external analysis and more resources. In addition, we are sharing our current staffing level, accreditation status, use of force policy, and have an active rumor control page.


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Rowan County United Way

Rowan County United Way Logo

Thank you to the Rowan County United Way for their donation towards the purchase of city-wide cameras.

Salisbury Police Department Reports Significant Traffic Safety Improvements Through Governor’s Highway Safety Program
Salisbury Police Department
/ Categories: News, Police News

Salisbury Police Department Reports Significant Traffic Safety Improvements Through Governor’s Highway Safety Program

The City of Salisbury is proud to announce significant improvements in traffic safety enforcement as part of its participation in the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) for the 2024 grant year. These efforts have resulted in notable increases across key enforcement metrics, reinforcing the city’s commitment to maintaining road safety within the community.

Compared to the 2022-2023 grant year, Salisbury Police officers achieved the following increases in activity while working GHSP-specific patrols:

  • Hours Worked: 36% increase
  • Traffic Stops: 65% increase
  • Seat Belt Citations: 41% increase
  • Child Restraint Citations: 100% increase
  • Speeding Citations: 85% increase
  • Drug-Related Charges: 150% increase
  • Miscellaneous Criminal Offenses: 33% increase
  • Careless & Reckless Drivers Charged: 75% increase
  • Total Contacts Made: 35% increase

These achievements were made possible through dedicated, grant-funded traffic safety initiatives and do not include statistics from conventional patrol efforts. The Salisbury Police Department’s ongoing participation in the GHSP has not only improved road safety but also strengthened the department’s standing with the program, reflecting positively on our team and the community we serve.

Salisbury Police Chief PJ Smith commended the officers for their dedication, stating,“Our officers’ commitment to keeping the roads of Salisbury safe has resulted in substantial improvements, making our community safer for everyone. These results reflect the professionalism and diligence of our officers, and I am immensely proud of their continued efforts.” 

For approximately four years, the Salisbury Police Department has benefited from the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (NCGHSP) overtime grant. This grant helps combat vehicle fatalities by providing overtime funds for officers to conduct high-visibility traffic law enforcement. 

Since the grant’s implementation in fall 2021, the department has reduced its annual average of vehicle fatalities from approximately 5.5 to 4. 

Chief Smith emphasized that these results are due in no small part to the officers who willingly sacrifice their free time to participate in these shifts, ensuring the grant’s success year after year. Their efforts have made a tangible difference in reducing vehicle fatalities and improving road safety in Salisbury. 

For more information on the Salisbury Police Department's traffic safety initiatives or to learn more about the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit www.salisburync.gov.

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Community Engagement

Participants at Summer Cease Fire info meeting

Summer Cease Fire

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SPD Officers meeting residents during neighborhood foot patrol

Foot Patrols

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SPD Officer speaking with high school kids

Youth Crime Prevention

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McGruff the Crime Dog meeting a young girl and her mother

Speakers Bureau and McGruff

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SNAG meetings are held at the Salisbury Police Department building

Salisbury Neighborhood Action Group

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The Salisbury Police Department's ice cream truck

Neighborhood Ice Cream Express

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Salisbury Police talking at window of police car

Ride-A-Long Program

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Image of Map

Neighborhood Officer Map

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Crime Prevention

Project SAFE Rowan
Lock It, Take It, Or Lose It
Residential Action Program
Security Camera Action Network
Safety Tips

P2C: Police to Citizen

Submit an Incident Report

Submit a reports for offenses such as vandalism, threats, larcenty, stolen property, lost property, harrasing phone calls and littering.

Submit a Report

Accident Report Search

Look through SPD crash records by name, driver's license or insurance policy.

Search Reports

Event Search

Look through SPD records for accidents, arrests and incidents.

Search Events

Most Wanted List

Check to see who is on the Salisbury Police Department's Most Wanted list.

Check Most Wanted

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you call 911?

Residents should call 911 when they need a police officer to respond to their location to provide assistance in emergency situations, crimes in progress, or to report crimes and disorder. If you are thinking about calling 911 or wonder if you should call 911, please call 911.

What is the Salisbury Police Department's Use of Force Policy?

The Salisbury Police Department updated their Use of Force Policy in 2020.

SPD Use of Force Policy (PDF)

What should you do if you see a crime occurring?

Call 911 immediately.
Be observant and make mental or physical notes, including asking yourself:
  • Are there any weapons involved?
  • What is the address?
  • Are there any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard or scars?
  • Can you give any clothing description?
  • How many people are involved?
  • Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

Do I have to give my name when I call 911?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential when calling 911, please stress this information to the operator.

Why did it take so long for the police to come when I called?

All calls for police officers are handled on a priority basis. Calls requiring a police officer to make a report on a previous crime will have less precedence than crimes in progress where life and property are in serious danger. Due to high call loads during certain times of the week and day, you might be slightly inconvenienced until a police officer becomes available to take your call.

How can I get a copy of a police report?

In person: Come to the front desk of the police station located at 130 East Liberty Street and ask for a copy of a report.

By mail: Send a letter to the above address (company requests should be on letterhead) requesting the report.

Online: Our Police to Citizen (P2C) site has a feature that allows citizens to get copies of a police report.

How do I become a police officer?

Applicants must pass a written exam, medical exam, psychological exam, physical ability exam, drug screening, background and character investigation, must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license without restrictions and not have been convicted of a felony.


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How long do I have to wait before I report someone missing?

There is no wait time required to report that someone is missing. There are several ways you can report someone missing depending upon the circumstances. For example, if you become separated from a child in a crowd, you can notify a police officer or call 911. In non-emergency situations, you can call 911 or come to the Police Department at 130 East Liberty Street. It is always helpful if you can provide a recent picture of the missing person and a description of what the individual was wearing when last seen.

How do I check on a case handled by detectives?

Call the detective assigned to your case. If you are unable to reach that person after several attempts and he or she does not return your call, ask to speak to the Investigative Division Commander.

Does the Salisbury Police Department provide house checks while we are away on vacation?

Yes. The Salisbury Police Department provides both physical and visual checks. To complete a vacation check request, you can contact your local community resource officer at (704) 638-5333.

What if an organization claiming to be the Police calls asking for a donation?

The Salisbury Police Department NEVER solicits money over the phone. If you get a call claiming to raise money for the Salisbury Police Department, report the call to the Salisbury Police Department. All calls will be kept confidential.

I am being stopped by a Salisbury police officer on a traffic stop. What should I do?

Getting pulled over by a police officer can be intimidating, frustrating and even dangerous for the motorist and the police officer. However, remembering some simple steps will help make your traffic stop as safe and as pleasant as possible:

  • Respond to the blue lights, and signal your intentions. The safest thing to do is to pull as far to the right as possible – using turn indicators to let the officer and other motorists know what you plan to do. If the roadway is clear and the officer does not pass you, assume that your vehicle is the one being pulled over. Drive slowly on the right until you find a suitable and safe place to stop. Drive defensively. Choose a safe location to pull off the road where you will not impede the normal flow of traffic. You can also pull off the roadway onto the shoulder if the ground is firm. The officer will understand if you drive slowly looking for a suitable location.
  • Be aware that the violation may have occurred 1 or 2 miles before the traffic stop. This delay is due to the fact that most departments have developed strict procedures for officers to follow to ensure your safety and theirs. They are required to give the location, vehicle and occupant description, and license plate to the dispatcher. The officer is also trying to locate the safest place to initiate the stop.
  • Remain in the vehicle unless the officer instructs otherwise. Distracted motorists have been known to leave the roadway and strike vehicles or individuals at a traffic stop, causing injury or even death.
  • Listen to the officer and comply with instructions. Drivers often assume they are being stopped for a routine traffic matter, but the officer may be stopping you because your vehicle is similar to one just seen leaving the scene of a crime. Additionally, many people have warrants out for their arrest, are mentally unbalanced or simply do not like police officers. Many officers have experienced verbal and physical confrontations as a result of traffic stops. Consequently, the officer may initially be acting under the assumption that you are a safety threat. Control over the situation can be accomplished by keeping yourself and your passengers in the vehicle with your hands visible.

If it is a case of mistaken identity, you will be on your way as soon as it is cleared up. If it is a traffic stop, the officer will request your driver's license, registration and insurance card. The officer may allow you to explain your actions; if so, you should speak calmly. If the officer saw you commit the violation, your statement is not necessary.

If your complaint is about the validity of the citation, then it must be handled through the courts. If the contact was unprofessional, please place a complaint to the Police Department directly. The Salisbury Police Department has procedures for lodging complaints against officers. Customer service is important to the Salisbury Police Department and the organization should be made aware of any issue with an officer.

If you comply with the rationale behind an officer's actions by following these steps, a traffic stop does not have to be an unpleasant experience.

How can I find out what crime looks like in my area?

Want to know what the crime is like in your area, or see crime trends for the past 4 years? Request a Crime Analysis Report using our form below. This form is required for any data request from our Crime Analyst.

Crime Analysis Request Form Download Crime Analysis Request Form (PDF)

My organization is applying for a grant/funding and we need to show crime trends over the last 4 years, where can I get that information?

Want to know what the crime is like in your area, or see crime trends for the past 4 years? Request a Crime Analysis Report using our form below. This form is required for any data request from our Crime Analyst.

Crime Analysis Request Form Download Crime Analysis Request Form (PDF)

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