Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I report a crime, accident or suspicious circumstance?
To report a crime, accident or suspicious circumstance, or for any situation requiring a police officer to respond, contact the Southern Pines Police Department Communications Center. Be prepared to give as much information as possible including location/address, persons or vehicles involved, descriptions and the circumstances of the situation. If it is an emergency, call 911. If not, call the Communications Center at (910) 692-7031. A Police Telecommunicator is available 24 hours per day to answer the call and dispatch the proper officer, unit or agency to assist. Remember to give your name, address and phone number so the officer can contact you for additional information or to update you on the status. Do not hesitate to call the police department for any situation you believe is suspicious or unusual that should be investigated by the police.
How do I get a copy of a police report?
Most incident and accident reports are available to the public free of charge. Contact the Records Section.
I would like to research the crime statistics in Southern Pines. How can I get that information?
The Southern Pines Police Department reports crime statistics monthly to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Crime statistics for municipalities state-wide, including Southern Pines, are available from the SBI website.
How do I request “Special Attention” for a specific problem?
Citizens may contact the Southern Pines Police Department to request “Special Attention” for a specific problem, issue or concern. Call the Communications Center at (910) 692-7031 to request a Special Attention. Or, you may provide the information electronically by submitting the Request for Special Attention Form (PDF) or by speaking with a police officer. Requests for Special Attention will generally be accepted for a period of one week to one month, unless the nature of the request calls for it to be of a specific time period.
I would like a police patch for my collection. How do I get one?
Unfortunately, due to the public safety implications of distributing official Southern Pines Police Department patches, we are not able to honor requests for patches from the general public.
I am going to be out of town. Will the police department watch my house while I’m gone?
Property owners may contact the Southern Pines Police Department to request an Unattended Property Check for their property. Officers will, during regular patrol as time permits, check the unattended property for any signs of crimes, damage to the property or other issues that should be reported to the property owner. Be sure to leave a phone number where you or your representative can be reached while you are away. Call the Communications Center at (910) 692-7031 to request an Unattended Property Check. Or, you may provide the information electronically by submitting the Unattended Property Check form (PDF) or by speaking with a police officer. This service is designed primarily for property that is normally inhabited, but will be unattended for a specific period of time. Vacant properties will be maintained on this list for a maximum of thirty (30) days.
I am opening a new business in Southern Pines. How can I provide contact information to the police department in case of an emergency?
The Southern Pines Police Department will maintain contact information for your business in our computerized records management and dispatch systems. This allows us to communicate better with you or your representative on matters that might affect your business. Complete the Business Contact Form (PDF) to provide this information. Remember, if any of the information changes, be sure to submit a new form to update the information.
I would like to do my part to reduce the chance my property will be a target for criminals. Is there anything I can do?
By taking a good look at your property with a focus on crime prevention, the police department can assist property owners with suggestions to make your property less of a target. Contact the Community Services Coordinator at (910) 692-2732 or email to schedule a Security Survey to be conducted of your property. The officer assigned will visit the property to review all aspects of the location and to provide input for physical security or, if a business, policy improvements that the property owner or manager may wish to put into place.
I am thinking of having an alarm installed at my home/business. Is there anything I need to know?
The Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances regulates fire, smoke, burglary and robbery alarm systems. Please review Chapter 102 of the ordinance for information.
I was really pleased with the quality of service I received from a Southern Pines Police Department employee. How do I let the police department know?
Southern Pines Police Department employees strive every day to exceed the expectations of the community. If an employee has done so, we would appreciate hearing about your experience. You can email your comments to us, nominate an employee for the "Making a Difference Award" (PDF), or for more information, read the Compliments or Complaints (PDF) brochure. Of course, if an employee did not meet your expectations, we want to know that too. The Southern Pines Police Department welcomes the opportunity to review our procedures in light of community concerns and is committed to fully investigating inquiries regarding the quality of service we provide.
I need to get my fingerprints taken for a professional license, foster care/child care application, employment application, or for another purpose. Can the police department help me?
The Southern Pines Police Department will complete fingerprints for these purposes on Wednesdays between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00am (except holidays), at the police department, 801 S.E. Service Road. An appointment is not necessary. You will need to bring government issued photo identification. If you need specific fingerprint cards, be sure to bring them. If not, we will provide generic fingerprint cards. There is a $5.00 fee (cash or check only).
I have a Tow Agency and would like to know how my agency can be included in the department’s rotation list when a wrecker is needed.
Any bona fide towing service within the corporate limits of the Town of Southern Pines or an adjacent municipality (within fifteen (15) miles of the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue & Broad Street, Southern Pines) may submit a written request, addressed to the Chief of Police, for consideration to be placed on the Master Tow List.
A “bona fide” towing service is an agency or organization whose primary business includes the towing of vehicles for mechanical purposes or due to collision and that owns or has primary control over vehicles and equipment for this purpose (i.e. tow trucks).
Once a request is received, the Chief of Police will determine if the basic requirements are met. If approved, the department Tow Agency Inspector will schedule an inspection to be conducted of the tow agency to ensure compliance with applicable North Carolina General Statutes, Town of Southern Pines Business regulations and police department policies. Tow agency proprietors selected for inclusion on the Master Tow List will be required to sign a Letter of Agreement consenting to abide by appropriate directives from the Southern Pines Police Department, the Town of Southern Pines or other authorized organizations.
I am hosting an event in Southern Pines and I would like a police officer to provide additional security. Is that possible?
Police officers are available to assist in a number of ways. If your event is on public property or outdoors, contact the Recreation and Parks Department to determine if you need to apply for an Outdoor Special Event Permit. The need for police services will be determined based upon your application. If your event does not fall into this category, contact the Police Department by email or by telephone at (910) 692-2732. On-duty officers may be assigned to events that are of a short term nature. For a longer term event, officers can be made available under certain circumstances. The Extra Duty Employment Application (PDF) contains information and restrictions on this service. You may complete and mail the form or bring it to the Police Department. Your request will be reviewed and you will be contacted to discuss the event.
My organization would like to solicit funds for charitable purposes. Is this activity regulated in Southern Pines?
The Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances regulates itinerant merchants and activities that relate to charitable and religious solicitations. Complete the Application for Itinerant Merchant Permit/Certificate for Charitable and Religious Organizations form, attach all pertinent documents and bring it to the police department. We will process your application and notify you of the outcome. Please review Chapter 114 of the ordinance for more information.
I am applying to the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission for a Retail ABC Permit and/or a Special Occasion/Temporary Permit. Do I need to notify the police department?
The Southern Pines Police Department must be notified of any application to the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission for a business or event that is located or will take place in Southern Pines. Depending on the type of application, we must either sign the form or provide information that will be used by the Commission during their consideration of your application. Complete the ABC Permit Application – Information & Release form (PDF), attach all pertinent documents and bring it to the police department. We will complete the law enforcement portion of your application and return it to you and then you may file it with the Commission.
I would like to solicit door-to-door for business purposes. Is this activity regulated in Southern Pines?
The Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances regulates this activity. A Town of Southern Pines Business License is required. Please review Section 114.01 of the ordinance for more information.
I have a Taxicab/Taxicab Agency. Do I need a permit to operate in Southern Pines?
The Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances regulates taxicabs. Every owner or operator of a taxicab must obtain a Town of Southern Pines Business License. Additionally, application must be made to the police department. Complete the Application for a Business License as a Taxicab Agency & Taxicab Driver Permit form (PDF), attach all pertinent documents and bring it to the police department. We will process your application and notify you of the outcome. Please review Chapter 115 of the ordinance for more information.
I have a business that deals in precious metals. Do I need a permit to operate in Southern Pines?
The North Carolina General Statutes regulates precious metal dealers. Every business owner and employee must comply with regulations contained in state statutes and the business must obtain a Town of Southern Pines Business License. Additionally, application must be made to the police department. Complete the Application for a Business License as a Precious Metal Dealer/Certificate of Compliance for Employee Registration form, attach all pertinent documents and bring it to the police department. We will process your application and notify you of the outcome. Please review Chapter 66 of the North Carolina General Statutes for more information.