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“We are fully committed to establishing positive relationships with the people we serve.”

- Chief Patrick Smith

Community Policing is a philosophy and an organizational strategy that operates on the premise that both the police and their community must work together to identify, prioritize, and solve contemporary problems.

The Community Policing philosophy succeeds by establishing police officers on decentralized permanent beats, where they are charged with the responsibility, and enjoy the freedom and autonomy to operate as community-based problem solvers who work directly with the neighborhood residents. Their assignment is to help make neighborhoods better and safer places in which to live and work.

Community Engagement efforts include:

Foot Patrols | Youth Crime Prevention | Speakers Bureau and McGruff | SNAG | N.I.C.E. Truck | Neighborhood Officer Map | Summer Cease Fire | Community Watch | Request An Officer Or A Program | Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design | Ride-A-Longs

Foot Patrols

Wolf foot patrol

In an effort to reduce crime and improve citizen satisfaction with police services, the SPD expanded its use of foot patrols in 2025 in neighborhoods throughout the city. As part of the foot patrol program, SPD will implement Stratified Policing, which is an evidence-based policing strategy designed to reduce crime through geographic ownership of neighborhoods and problem solving.

The use of foot patrols is an example of the department’s commitment to evidence-based policing, citing a recent study by researchers at Temple University. The study found that foot patrols reduced short-term crime and improved relationships with the community through officer visibility and citizen engagement. The program goals include a minimum of one neighborhood walking revolution within a 12-hour work shift and the documentation of citizen contacts.

Officers at all levels of the agency participate in this initiative.

Youth Crime Prevention

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, Youth should be involved in planning and carrying out strategies to prevent violence in their communities. They contribute a valuable perspective on the problem as they build skills that will help them make positive contributions to their neighborhoods.

The Salisbury Police Department Community Engagement Division works closely with community leaders to coordinate multiple programs and activities throughout the year for Salisbury youth.

During the summer months, the Salisbury Police Department organizes two summer camps led by a team of officers: the Salisbury Crime Scene Camp and the Youth Citizens Academy. Both camps are offered once in June and once in July.

The Salisbury Police Cadet Program aims to help participants develop leadership skills, gain an understanding of law enforcement, and cultivate essential values such as integrity, respect, and responsibility. This six-month program meets twice a month. Individuals aged 15 to 20 who are interested, contact CommunityEngagement@salisburync.gov or 704-638-5272

The Salisbury Police Youth Mentor Program similar to the Big Brother Big Sister concept this is a program for youth ages 7-17 years old. This mentor program provides guidance, support, and valuable life skills. If you are interested, contact CommunityEngagement@salisburync.gov or 704-638-5272

Bautista engagement

RAD PROGRAM

RAD Program

Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) is a FREE 8-hour course, a national program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques taught for women only. All courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. instructors.

The goal of R.A.D. is to provide realistic self-defense options to women, regardless of their level of physical conditioning. Students at all levels of ability, age, experience, and strength will be provided with techniques and information that can be effectively used from the first day of class. R.A.D. is not a martial arts program, nor does it require students to be athletes in training to succeed.

Once the class is scheduled, you will receive an email providing you with the location and other instructions. Class space is limited but is open to students, staff, and faculty at no cost. THIS CLASS IS FOR WOMEN ONLY.

Salisbury Neighborhood Action Group

The Salisbury Police Department hosts a monthly Salisbury Neighborhood Action Group (SNAG) meeting. At these meetings, residents will hear monthly updates concerning neighborhood activity, related investigations, and code enforcement issues.

The meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month. Residents also have the opportunity to voice concerns regarding specific activities in their neighborhoods.

These monthly SNAG meetings are open to the public! You are welcome and encouraged to attend. The meetings are held at:

Salisbury Police Department
130 E. Liberty St.
Salisbury, NC 28144

Meetings are from 10:00 am to 11:00 a.m.

SNAG meetings are held at the Salisbury Police Department building

Salisbury Police Cadet Program

Cadets 2025

The Salisbury Police Cadet Program aims to help participants develop leadership skills, gain an understanding of law enforcement, and cultivate essential values such as integrity, respect, and responsibility. This six-month program meets twice a month. Individuals aged 15 to 20 who are interested, contact CommunityEngagement@salisburync.gov or 704-638-5272

Your Neighborhood Officers

This interactive map will allow community members to search their address and see the police officer responsible for their community. Community members can email their neighborhood officer(s) to detail problems or offer words of encouragement. This feature may also reduce non-emergency calls for service by redirecting the problem to the appropriate officer and not generating a call for service which requires an immediate response.

Open Map
SNAG meetings are held at the Salisbury Police Department building

Rowan Regional Crime Information Center (RRCIC)

RRCIC

Rowan Regional Crime and Information Center (RRCIC) Mission

The primary mission of the RRCIC is to be a centralized location, wherein each Rowan County agency can be represented and contribute to the process of gathering and sharing information. The RRCIC will collect, evaluate, analyze and disseminate information and intelligence data regarding criminal activity in, and around, the Rowan County Area while following all applicable laws to ensure the rights and privacy of citizens.

•Developed and led by Salisbury (NC) Police Department, SMART Policing Initiative (SPI)

•It is the primary mission of the RRCIC to be a centralized location, wherein each Rowan County agency can be represented and contribute to the process of gathering and sharing information.

•The RRCIC will collect, evaluate, analyze, and disseminate information and intelligence regarding criminal activity in, and around, the Rowan County Area while following all applicable laws to ensure the rights and privacy of citizens.

 

For more information on the Rowan Regional Crime Information Center, contact Division Commander Major Corey Brooks at 704-638-5343 or RRCIC Supervisor Corporal Brent Hall 704-216-2149 or email rrcic@salisburync.gov.

Community Watch

The "eyes and ears" of our Police Department. Community Watch is a crime prevention program that relies on the active participation of residents, in cooperation with law enforcement, to reduce crime and victimization in their communities. If you are interested in starting a group for your community, contact CommunityEngagement@salisburync.gov.

Request An Officer Or Program

The Police Department values the opportunity to speak with community groups on safety and crime prevention. We will make every attempt to accommodate your request. Request must be made at least 30 days in advance. Send your request to CommunityEngagement@salisburync.gov.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

This is a formal request to have a certified CPTED officer evaluate a property or area using the principles of "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)” to identify potential security vulnerabilities and suggest improvements to deter criminal activity. Send your request to CommunityEngagement@salisburync.gov.

The Salisbury Police Department’s ride-along program's purpose is to provide citizens with an opportunity to learn about the department’s goals and missions and the many services we offer. Participation allows citizens to experience firsthand the decision-making processes our officers utilize in addressing the various crime and quality-of-life issues affecting our community. The end result is a more unified partnership between the police department and the public.

This program is designed for participants over 18 years of age, but is available to students at least 16 years of age with parental consent. Prior to riding, citizens will be asked to sign a liability waiver indicating that you agree to all terms and conditions as listed. Failure to abide by the requirements will terminate your riding privileges.

If you are interested in the Ride-A-Long program, contact Sgt. James Davis at james.davis@salisburync.gov.

Online Application

 Title Description
Authorization to Release InformationDownloadIn order to process applications, certain information must be made available to the Chief of Police of the City of Salisbury.
Internship ApplicationDownloadThe Salisbury Police Department’s Intern Program is a highly competitive process. Prospective applicants must have high moral character and a dedication to community oriented policing. Prospective applicants must be currently enrolled in college and follo
Personal History StatementDownloadThe applicant for a CERTIFIED position should complete this form prior to beginning his/her background investigation.

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