Hope Mills swears in three officers and outlines plan for 24/7 policing, SROs and community programs

The council and police leadership swore in three new officers and heard an operations update from the chief on staffing, technology and community outreach.

Chief reported that the department is moving toward 24-hour operations; recent hires will allow promotions to fill lieutenant positions and to staff school resource officer posts. The department has installed license-plate readers and cameras across major corridors and at schools and activated a real-time crime center. The chief said one SRO replacement, Robert Fields, will be assigned to schools when the promoted sergeant moves to a lieutenant role.

The department plans to launch a police cadet program (ages 14 to 21) tied to the high school and to continue internships with local schools. The chief described partnerships with neighboring agencies for field-force training and plans for an open house at the police department on Oct. 6 to display capabilities.

The chief also described the department's use of asset forfeiture funds to buy community-policing equipment and event supplies; staff said a budget amendment will move some funds from restricted accounts into the town account for approved uses. Council approved a budget amendment tonight to allocate funds for police expenses (see consent agenda). The chief said the department will seek to use forfeiture funds for community-oriented items where allowed by law.

Next steps: staff will return with details in the budget amendments and proceed with recruiting and training to meet the 24-hour operational target.