Functions

Patrol officers perform a wide range of patrol duties and community policing programs. In addition to responding to 911 calls for service and high-visibility patrol, they: 

• Provide proactive traffic enforcement.
• Work with a social worker for services to help keep people out of the criminal justice system.

In particular, they are responsible for:

• Apprehension of criminals and wanted persons
• High-visibility patrol and property checks
• Enforcement of motor vehicle laws
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Public and medical assistance
• Recovery of stolen property
• Community problem solving

The officers also:

• Provide directed patrols and work with the public to deter crime.
• Provide field training for new officers who have completed N.C. basic law enforcement training until the officers meet standards to be certified.

Patrol Operations

Officers use different tactics and technologies for patrol operations, including:

• Marked and unmarked vehicles.
• Mobile data terminals within the vehicles for access to local, state and national resources.
• Radar devices for conducting motor vehicle enforcement.

Additionally, officers have:

• Basic first aid supplies in all primary patrol vehicles to assist with medical emergencies.
• Access to automated external defibrillators.

The Police Department is participating in a two-year program through September 2025 to help keep people with a history of serious mental illness from entering the criminal justice system. 

Savannah Gilliland became the town's first social worker in October 2023. She:

• Works with individuals both before an arrest is made and after criminal charges are brought.
• Provides resources and support to homeless and at-risk people.
• Works with trained crisis intervention officers to reduce the intensity of situations when mental health is a concern.
• Steps in after an event to connect individuals with services, such as transportation to doctors’ appointments and mental health counseling.

Gilliland's position is funded by a state grant and sponsored by the Community Care and Diversion Response Team, a program under the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department. She is one of four social workers working within each of the local law enforcement agencies in Orange County.

The department has an alcohol law enforcement response team.

The team checks for compliance throughout the year with:

• Operations that target sales to underage buyers at local businesses, including bars, restaurants and stores.
• Inspections of Alcohol Beverage Control permits at local businesses.
• Patrols dedicated to looking for impaired drivers.

Officers focus primarily on educating drivers. They place emphasize moving violations over nonmoving violations, such as those related to vehicle equipment or registration.

Submit a Traffic Concern

Safety Campaigns 

The Police Department participates in campaigns directed by the North Carolina Governor Highway Safety Program to reduce collisions, including campaigns on:

• Drinking and driving
• Seatbelts
• Speeding

Speeding

The department has digital signs for placement by roads to show drivers their current speed. One sign is moved around the town regularly.