Salem Police Department

​The Salem Police Department provides law enforcement and public safety services to the City of Salem. The department is dedicated to keeping Salem safe by providing superior police service. As an agency, our vision is to be the recog​nized leader of police practices through innovation, equipment, technology, and training in order to fight crime, enhance trust, and protect our community.​​​​​

​​Divisions of the Salem Police Department

Administration

The Chief of Police is responsible for all law enforcement activities within the city. ​The chief ensures the public safety needs of the community are met​ through law enforcement services and effective community partnerships which protect and improve the social well-being and security of citizens. It is the chief’s duty to deliver a timely, well thought-out response to patterns of crime and disorder which threaten the peace and safety of our community.

Communications

The Communications division provides regional public safety call reception, dispatch, and records services for the citizens and user agencies within Marion, Polk, and Lincoln counties. Sections include Administration, 9-1-1 Operations, Technical Services, and Radio Communications.

Investigations

The Investigations Division delivers investigative services for most felony crimes, gang-related incidents, drug investigations, and neighborhood drug activity complaints.

The Investigations Division is responsible for the following sections:

• Criminal Investigations section
• Special Operations section

​Patrol

​The Patrol Division provides primary law enforcement activities to preserve public peace, prevent crime and protect life and property as first responders to calls for service and through proactive community policing activities. ​The division also includes the Community Response section which addresses youth services at schools, residents in emotional crisis, downtown safety and other neighborhood livability issues. The Patrol Division is responsible for the following specialized teams and programs:

• Field Operations
• Downtown Enforcement Team
• Domestic Violence Response Program
• Gang Enforcement Team
• Mental Health Unit
• Telephone Reporting Office
• Police K-9 Team
• Traffic Control Unit
• Emergency Operations Group​
• Youth Services Unit

Support

The Support Division provides important resources for police operations. The Support Division is responsible for the following sections:

• Crime Analysis
• Custody and Transport
• Evidence and Property
• Fleet and Accreditation
• Internal Affairs
• Management Resources
• Personnel and Training
• Planning and Research
• Police Records
• Public Relations
• Volunteers