What's New in Mount Holly?
Contact Us
Services
MHPD is a community-oriented, problem-solving police agency. The primary role of the Patrol Division is to respond 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 the following:
- K9 Unit
- Mount Holly Tactical Team
- Community Outreach
- Special Events
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION (CID)
The CID pursues justice by providing premier investigative services, building trusting relationships with its law enforcement partners, and meeting criminal investigative needs with excellence. This department predominantly investigates felony crimes and presents the evidence to the District Attorney's office for prosecution.
The 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.
Members of this unit are responsible for conducting specialized investigations and providing investigative support to other law enforcement agencies, performing criminal investigative procedures, processing crime scenes for evidence, interviewing suspects and witnesses, conducting searches, and making arrests.
This department is responsible for combating the threat facing Mount Holly citizens with the increased sale and distribution of such illegal narcotics as heroin, crack, cocaine, marijuana, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic drugs. They also work collaboratively with federal agencies and local partners to assist in the prosecution of many other offenders. The unit has involvement in proactively enforcing laws at all levels of the drug trade, from street-level dealing that causes issues in our neighborhoods, to higher-level dealers who are engaged in sophisticated networks.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERSSchool 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 MANAGEMENTThis division processes and maintains all case files. It also provides copies of reports and other non-law enforcement report requests to the public such as traffic accident and incident reports. The Records Division must ensure that cases are cleared following the NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System) guidelines.
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). Mount Holly Police telecommunicators answer 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 (ex. fire, medical, animal concerns, etc.) to the appropriate communications center within the area.
The Police Department utilizes six full-time telecommunicators, two of which staff the split-shift hours of 12 noon to 12 midnight. The split-shift coverage was put into place due to the increased call volume during these hours.
Many people are not aware that the Mount Holly PSAP serves as one of only two primary public safety answering points in Gaston County. It provides enhanced 9-1-1 services solely to the citizens of Mount Holly.
In 2021, the State of North Carolina implemented Next Generation 911 (NG911) to ensure citizens are able to access 9-1-1 services regardless of their location or the communication technology they use. The Mount Holly Communications Center has actively implemented this technology known as ESInet. This vastly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response.
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
For NON-EMERGENCIES and general questions or requests, please call (704) 827-4343.
COMMUNITY SERVICESThe 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
PROBLEM-ORIENTED POLICINGThis 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 PROGRAMThe 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/BLETThe 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 Patrol Division deploys a K9 team to work alongside each Patrol Unit, thus providing 24/7 availability.
Our K9 teams are a vital resource to our community, as they do much more than just search for illegal drugs. They have the ability to track suspects in both urban and rural areas and to search for items used in the commission of a crime. Each K9 also has the ability to locate someone hidden inside of a building, along with protecting their handler if necessary. The K9 teams also engage with the public through demonstrations for schools, daycare centers, Scouting events, civic organizations, and other community opportunities.
EVIDENCE INTAKEThe Property and Evidence Technician is responsible for ensuring the proper security and chain of custody for all property and seized evidence through the use of the Southern Software Evidence Management System. 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.
The unit operates within a continuous cycle of receiving, storing, and disposing of property and evidence in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and City ordinances. Items are purged as cases are adjudicated, when they are no longer needed as evidence due to expiration of the statute of limitations, or when they are no longer needed to be held per statute (such as found property).
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.REGIONAL SWAT TEAMThe Special Weapons and Tactics Team responds to high-risk situations that require specialized tactics and coordination. The purpose of the team is to accomplish its objectives with minimal risk to officers and citizens. In 2007, members of the Mount Holly Police Department joined the Gastonia Police Department’s multi-agency regional SWAT Team. The regional SWAT Team consists of members from the Gastonia PD, Gaston County Sheriff’s Department, Belmont PD, Stanley PD, Cherryville PD, Lowell PD, and Mount Holly PD. This team utilizes specialized training, equipment, and tactics to preserve life in high-risk situations.
HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR TEAMIn 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.
FIELD FORCE TACTICAL TEAM
Tactical Team members respond to any situation where special training and tactics can be utilized, and a fast response is necessary to protect life and property. Members function as a tactical response for Patrol Division emergencies.
During these high-risk incidents, such as active shootings, armed suspects, and inner security perimeters, the team establishes and maintains scene security pending the deployment of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, when applicable. The team also provides a rapid, organized, and disciplined response to civil disorder, crowd control, or other tactical situations. Members of the team train on a regular basis.
MOUNT HOLLY MARINE UNIT
The primary goal of the Mount Holly Marine Unit is to promote safe and responsible use of Mount Holly’s 27+ miles coastline. Officers in Marine Patrol use various enforcement and education efforts to achieve that goal. The division features one patrol vessel that has been placed in service on the Catawba River. Marine One's flat-bottom design allows it to float in 8 inches of water.