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Police Services

QUICKLINKS: Patrol | Investigations | Criminal Investigations Unit | Special Investigations Unit | School Resource | Records Management | Telecommunications (Dispatch Services) | Community Services | Problem-Oriented Policing (POP)| Reserve Officer Program | Recruitment/BLET | K9 Unit | Evidence Intake | Regional SWAT Team | Hostage Negotiator Team

PATROL

MHPD is a community-oriented, problem-solving police agency. The primary role is response to community needs while addressing crime and harm issues. Many of the officers have taken on additional tasks and have requested assignment to or volunteer with,

  • K9 Unit
  • Mount Holly Tactical Team
  • Community Outreach
  • Special Events

Access our Traffic Stop Guide here

INVESTIGATIONS

The Investigations Division is commanded by Deputy Chief Brian Reagan and comprises the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

Strategic Operations Commander: Deputy Chief Brian Reagan

Office: 704-951-3047

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

The Criminal Investigations Division is composed of a sergeant and two criminal investigators. The purpose of the CID is to pursue justice by providing premier investigative services, building trusting relationships with its law enforcement partners, and meeting criminal investigative needs with excellence. CID predominantly investigates felony crimes and presents the evidence to the District Attorney's Office for prosecution.

Agents of this unit are responsible for conducting specialized investigations and providing investigative support to other law enforcement agencies. They perform criminal investigative procedures, process crime scenes for evidence, interview suspects and witnesses, conduct searches, make arrests, and regularly present facts of criminal cases before the courts.

CID is also tasked with the investigation of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation including crimes involving the production and/or distribution of child pornography, the solicitation of children for immoral purposes, and the sexual and physical abuse of children when technology is involved.

Criminal Investigations: Sergeant Jerry Arthurs 

Office: 704-951-3041

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

The Special Investigations Unit conducts investigations that focus on the sale and possession of illegal drugs, gambling, illegal alcohol sales, and prostitution. The SIU also partners with other local, State, and Federal agencies to enable them to effectively pursue narcotic violations that directly impact the city of Mount Holly.

SCHOOL RESOURCE

School resource officers are responsible for maintaining safe campus environments and investigating any acts of crime or disorder that occur on school campuses. In addition, SROs formulate crime prevention programs and serve as liaisons with school leadership, faculty, parents, and students. 

Placement of full-time SROs in each of the elementary schools began in 2016. The Mount Holly Police Department employs four school resource officers who work closely with Ida Rankin Elementary, Catawba Heights Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, and Mount Holly Middle School.

SROs work closely with school staff and students to create a safer environment and to achieve and maintain a professional relationship as a mentor and educator of the Criminal Justice System.
They are also proactive, working in a counseling role, helping to avert a crisis before it escalates. SROs assist schools in conducting safety drills such as lockdowns, fire and severe weather drills. SROs also participate in programs such as MHPD Books and Badges. SROs are an important part of the school community in building rapport and strong relationships with law enforcement. Each SRO receives certification training from the NC Justice Academy and attends an annual conference to receive updates.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

The records unit provides copies of reports filed with the Department. This includes motor vehicle crash reports and crime (incident) reports. In addition, this unit ensures that all reports are filed with the appropriate State agency and Federal agency. Records Management personnel serve as the first point of contact for anyone entering our facility during normal business hours.

The Mount Holly Records Division is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm with closing between 12pm to 1pm for lunch. There are various ways for the public to obtain a copy of a report. You may pick up a copy in person during normal business hours, or we will email or fax your copy to you. There is no charge for a copy of a report. Reports are usually ready for the public to obtain after 3 to 5 business days.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS (DISPATCH SERVICES)

Mount Holly is fortunate to operate a public safety answering point (PSAP). A Mount Holly police dispatcher answers all 9-1-1 calls originating within Mount Holly.  This communications group has direct contact with all Mount Holly police units. In addition, the unit can transfer any other type of call for service to the appropriate communications center within the area.

The Mount Holly Police Department Communications Center serves as one of only two primary public safety answering points (PSAP) in Gaston County. It provides Enhanced 9-1-1 services solely to the citizens of Mount Holly. 9-1-1 should be used for emergencies only. An emergency is when IMMEDIATE Police, Fire, or Ambulance assistance is necessary.

When you call 9-1-1, be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Location of your emergency
  • Type of emergency
  • Your name
  • Your phone number

Stay calm and also be prepared to answer further questions concerning your emergency.

For NON-EMERGENCIES and general questions or requests, please call (704) 827-4343.

Read the Alarm ordinance here. Download the MHPD Security Alarm Registration Form here.  

COMMUNITY SERVICES

The Community Services division of the Mount Holly Police Department is responsible for the delivery of Crime Prevention programs to individuals and groups within the City. These programs include a variety of community education programs and services that help inform citizens of ways to stay safe and help prevent crime. If you or your organization are interested in these programs or are interested in developing a program or watch group, please call the Community Services division at 704-822-2922.

All units within the Department share responsibility with this service. The Community services sergeant manages all of the programs. Each year the Department participates in children's programs at Springfest. The program also offers the following activities:

  • Children's Safety Program
  • National Night Out
  • Community Watch Programs

Community Watch programs are set up by Community Services Sergeant. Community Services provides support with brochures.

Access the Special Activities Permit here.

PROBLEM-ORIENTED POLICING

This unit conducts various law enforcement activities including special investigations, surveillance operations, crime analysis and assessments, community policing, etc. Problem-oriented policing places a high value on new responses that are preventive in nature, that are not dependent on the use of the criminal justice system, and that engage other public agencies, the community, and the private sector when their involvement has the potential for significantly contributing to the reduction of the problem. Problem-oriented policing carries a commitment to implementing the new strategies, rigorously evaluating their effectiveness, and subsequently reporting the results in ways that will benefit other police agencies.

RESERVE OFFICER PROGRAM

The Department maintains a reserve officer program. This is a volunteer-based program for certified officers. This group is often called upon to fill in and assist with citywide projects such as Springfest. These officers hold the same certification as full time officers.

RECRUITMENT/BLET

The Administration Sergeant is responsible for the recruitment of applicants for vacancies within the department. In addition, The Mount Holly Police Department offers a sponsorship program for those interested in attending Basic Law Enforcement Training.  The selection process for those interested in being sponsored by the police department follows strict guidelines, and selectees are expected to adhere to a high level of professionalism and conduct.  Anyone interested in seeking a sponsorship should contact the Administrative Sergeant a minimum of 60 day prior to the start of BLET.

K9 UNIT

The Mount Holly Police Department K9 Unit was established in 2001 and currently consists of four canine teams. These service dog teams assist officers and detectives with their daily duties. These teams can conduct building searches, track fleeing suspects, search for evidence, and detect narcotics more effectively and with increased safety.

EVIDENCE INTAKE

The Evidence Intake area is where all evidence is stored and processed. Evidence is packaged and prepared for the officer to take to court. Evidence is also prepared to take to the lab to be processed if needed.

If you have an item that has been lost or stolen, please contact the Police Department to determine if it has been stored in the evidence room.

Evidence Technician: Tim Bevis

Contact Number: 704-827-4343

REGIONAL SWAT TEAM

In 2007, members of the Mount Holly Police department joined the Gastonia Police Department's multi-agency regional SWAT team. The regional SWAT Team now consists of members from the Gastonia Police Department, Gaston County Sheriff's Office, Belmont Police, Stanley Police, Cherryville Police, Lowell Police, and the Mount Holly Police Department. This team utilizes specialized training, equipment, and tactics to preserve life in high-risk situations.

HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR TEAM

In 2013, members of the Mount Holly Police Department also started participating in Gastonia Police Department's multi-agency Hostage Negotiator Team. This team works in conjunction with the SWAT Team. The Negotiator's goal is to peacefully resolve the surrender of a suspect.