Alerts

The City of Salem Utility Customer Care Center will be closed Thursday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for employee training.

Please note, all payment methods remain available during this time. You can access your account online, by phone at 1-833-735-2221, in person at 440 Church Street SE on the 5th Floor, by mail, or via a City of Salem drop box.

For urgent utility account needs during this time, contact Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311.

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Transparency in communication is as important as the openness of the Salem Police Department's actions, policies, and procedures. This page explains how the Salem Police Department shares information with the public.

Media releases

A media release is the department's official statement about an incident and the actions taken. Sharing these statements helps explain events and builds trust with the community.

Recent press releases from the department are available on FlashAlert Newswire. You can subscribe to get Salem Police FlashAlert updates. Media releases are also posted to the Salem Police Department's primary social media accounts, X (formerly named Twitter), and Facebook.

Media releases by year:

Social media communications

The Salem Police Department uses social media to share information with the public. Social media helps connect with residents through photos, videos, and updates about the types of calls officers and detectives handle.

The department shares information on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, and YouTube.

Not all police activities are posted to social media. Urgent updates are most commonly posted to X only.

Media inquiries

Reporters from verified online, print, TV, or radio news organizations are encouraged to subscribe to FlashAlert Newswire. FlashAlert sends email updates about emergency alerts and other news releases. Most press releases are also shared on the department’s social media accounts.

Media inquiries must be sent by email to spdmedia@cityofsalem.net. The Communications Office handles all requests from verified journalists or news outlets, including those about cases or breaking news.

If a press conference or media briefing is needed, the location will be announced on FlashAlert and X.

Public records or police report requests

To request public records or police reports, use the City of Salem Public Records Portal. You can check the status of your request by logging into your portal account. For more information, call the Salem Police Records Section at 503-588-6144.