Oxford Police complete North Carolina law-enforcement risk review, board commends department

The Oxford City Board of Commissioners received a law-enforcement risk-management review on Tuesday from the North Carolina League of Municipalities, which concluded that the Oxford Police Department successfully completed the league’s law-enforcement risk-review process.

Chet Epler, a public-safety risk management consultant who introduced himself to the board, said the review included on-site administrative and operational inspections, equipment and facility checks, officer interviews and observations of operations. "Oxford Police Department has successfully completed the law enforcement risk review process," Epler said, and he thanked Chief Ford and department staff "for their leadership and willingness to participate in this very important initiative." The presentation noted the department’s openness during the review.

The review, supported by the North Carolina Police Chiefs Association, examined high-liability areas including vehicle operation, response to active resistance, evidence processing, employment practices and training. Epler told the board that Oxford is among only a few municipalities in the state to have completed multiple reviews and described the department’s work as a positive step toward aligning practices with industry best practices.

No formal board action was required; the report was presented to commissioners for their information and recognition of the department’s participation. The board later moved into other agenda items, including public hearings and budget discussions.