About Us
History of the Department
From the Town of Southern Pines’ quiet beginnings on March 7th, 1887, with a population of fifty and in a time when the only law and order was a Justice of the Peace, the Southern Pines Police Department has emerged into what it is today: a modern, self-sufficient, full service law enforcement organization that is a model for others to emulate.
The early portions of our department’s history were marred by some tragedies and included the presence of two departments (Southern Pines and West Southern Pines). Since then, our Police Department has progressively evolved by bringing technological advances to the forefront, providing highly qualified personnel who promote an efficient, well-run organization while maintaining strong ties that we share with the community we serve.
As the evolution of our department has progressed from that first car, that first radio, that first computer, our proudest accomplishments have come from bringing in unique and knowledgeable people into our family, providing them the opportunities and training few departments our size can match, and meeting the needs and experiencing the successes our department exhibits today.
We have always worked with our community and the citizens, and continue to do so, through our emphasis on the importance of relationships and with ongoing community outreach programs.
As we are in our second century of service, we recognize and respect those tragedies of our early past. In doing so we continue to strive to learn and grow in the present and to have those that will follow us in the future will be proud of our efforts and dedication we put forth today.
The Southern Pines Police Department serves a community of approximately 12,000 citizens. The department consists of approximately 45 sworn, non-sworn and volunteer personnel, all of whom are dedicated to the enforcement of law and improving the quality of life in the Town of Southern Pines through a dedicated focus on public safety.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to partner with the community to keep the peace and to protect citizens of Southern Pines, their guests, and their property. We enforce the ordinances and statutes ratified by our state and town council. We are here to serve.
Vision Statement
We are a professional police service committed to the needs of our community. We effect change through personal interaction and a can-do attitude, forging partnerships with people we serve. We honor the Community by treating the public with fairness, honesty, and civility while providing the highest quality of service. We work as a team while recognizing the value of each member. We individually and organizationally nurture personal and professional growth in order to better serve the community.
Values of the Southern Pines Police Department
Service
Through teamwork and accountability, we serve all aspects of the Southern Pines community with excellence and efficiency to have a positive impact on the quality of life for our citizens.
Protection
We have a sense of duty and courage as we provide quality patrol, investigation and communications services to protect our community.
Professionalism
We are a professional law enforcement agency that acts with ingegrity, honor and respect in all we do.
Dedication
We are dedicated to public safety, loyal to our community and profession, and show a commitment to problem solving and continuous improvement, both individually and organizationally.
Annual Report
Read our latest Annual Report (PDF) to learn more about the activities of the Southern Pines Poilce Department.
On July 30, 2011, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) voted unanimously to award Advanced Accreditation to the Southern Pines Police Department. The accreditation process focuses an agency's efforts on systems for management, addressing community issues and positioning the agency for the future. In his comments to the Commission Review Committee upon being awarded Advanced Accreditation, Chief Letteney said:
The accreditation process has served as a blueprint to ensure the Southern Pines Police Department is at the forefront of the best practices in the profession, achieves the level of professionalism and service delivery it is capable of and maintains that level as the needs of the community change. As the first law enforcement agency in our region to embark on the process of accreditation, we seek to become a model for other agencies to follow while we provide assurance to the community that the Southern Pines Police Department meets, and hopefully exceeds, the professional standards of law enforcement.
This is a significant achievement for the department and puts us in the top tier of professional law enforcement agencies who have demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence. We are the first accredited agency in the county and region and we are in the top 6% of agencies in the state who have submitted to this intensive system of policy development, operational review and outside assessment; This further shows leadership and dedication of the department in serving our community in the best possible manner.
As the CEO of an accredited agency said: “The Accreditation Process provides the best and the most credible roadmap for any law enforcement agency in pursuit of professional excellence. It will be the benchmark for policing in the twenty-first century.” Another said: “CALEA Accreditation inspires public confidence in our agency, as well as assures that our department is up-to-date on police initiatives and administrative practices. Among the areas of particular importance addressed by CALEA, are the delivery of services to our citizens and the emphasis on inter-agency cooperation. CALEA provides a means of checks and balances that confirms the successful tactics we have in place." (SOURCE: CALEA website)
For more information on law enforcement accreditation, please contact the Southern Pines Police Department Accreditation Manager at (910) 692-2732, or by email at PD@southernpines.net. Or, click on the CALEA logo above to visit their website.
We are the SPPD