Police Department

Bessemer City Police Department
132 West Virginia Ave. Bessemer City, NC 28016
Non-Emergency: (704) 629-2235
Emergency: 911

Our Mission

The Bessemer City Police Department is committed to improving the quality of life for everyone in our community. We pledge to maintain a safe environment with equal protection under the law for all. By building partnerships with residents, we provide dedicated service to those who live, work, and visit Bessemer City.

We believe public safety is more than enforcement — it’s about caring for our neighbors, listening to concerns, and fostering trust through respect, transparency, and compassion.

Core Values & Guiding Principles

• Respect & Dignity — treating all individuals with compassion, fairness, and integrity
• Accountability & Transparency — being answerable to the public, ethically and professionally
• Service & Protection — prioritizing the safety and welfare of residents, visitors, and each other
• Community Partnership — working alongside neighborhoods to solve problems, prevent crime, and strengthen relationships
• Professional Excellence — continuous training, training in de-escalation, community policing, and best practices

Focus Areas & Programs

1. Patrol & Response

• Provide 24/7 patrol coverage and first response to calls for service
• Manage traffic enforcement, accident investigation, and emergency dispatch
• Maintain safe neighborhoods through proactive presence

2. Investigations & Crime Solving

• Investigate crimes, collect evidence, interview witnesses and suspects

• Coordinate with regional, state, and federal partners as needed

3. Community Policing & Outreach

• Establish ongoing dialogue with neighborhoods, civic groups, and schools

• Host community engagement events and activities

4. Victim & Witness Support

• Provide caring support, referrals, and resource connections for crime victims
• Ensure victims’ voices are heard and respected throughout the process

5. Recruitment, Training & Wellness

• Ongoing training in legal updates, diversity, de-escalation, crisis intervention, mental health awareness
• Promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness for officers and staff
• Recruit diverse, community-oriented personnel

6. Transparency & Accountability

• Accept citizen feedback, commendations, and complaints
• Ensure internal oversight and ethical standards

Remembering Those Who Served

We honor the memory of those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community:

• Officer Michael Patrick Jenkins — End of Watch: May 2, 1972 Officer Down Memorial Page
• Assistant Chief Lloyd M. Parton — End of Watch: June 19, 1948 Officer Down Memorial Page

Their commitment reminds us daily of the high calling and solemn responsibility we carry.

Community & “Heartfelt Living”

At Bessemer City, public safety is about people. We embrace “Heartfelt Living” by:

• Engaging with residents personally and compassionately
• Listening to stories, concerns, and hopes
• Partnering with community groups, schools, churches, and nonprofits
• Focusing on prevention, youth mentoring, crisis intervention, and restorative practices

Public Safety Investment & Future Vision

As Bessemer City grows, so do our public safety needs. The city is actively investing in police and fire infrastructure, evaluating facility needs, upgrading technology, and expanding capacity.

Public Safety Capital Project (New Police Station)- Click Here

We envision a future in which:

• Response times are faster and more efficient
• Community engagement is deeper and more impactful
• Officers are better equipped and supported
• Crime prevention is proactive, not reactive