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 recognized leader of police practices through innovation, equipment, technology, and training in order to fight crime, enhance trust, and protect our community.

The Salem Police Department Organization

Administration

The Chief of Police is responsible for the oversight of the department's 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 residents. 

Chief Trevor Womack has led the Salem Police Department since December 2020. His Chief's Office comprises an assistant chief and two deputy chiefs. The Communications Office, Fiscal & Planning Office, and Professional Standards Unit and strategic plan overview are all directly connected to the Chief's Office.

Field Operations Division

The assistant chief oversees the Field Operations Division which provides primary law enforcement activities to preserve public peace, prevent crime, and protect life and property as patrol first responders to calls for service.

• Field Operations Section includes all patrol functions including:
  • Community Engagement Section which includes the Community Action Unit and proactive community engagement activities organized by one community engagement officer. 
  • Emergency Operations Group
    • Bomb Squad, Crisis Negotiations Team, Mobile Response Team, SWAT
  • Graffiti Abatement 
  • K-9 Unit
  • Mobile Crisis Response Teams
  • Traffic Team
  • Volunteer Services Section

Two deputy chiefs lead the Investigations and Support Division.

Investigations Division

Detectives in three separate units investigate persons, property, drugs, and other major crimes occurring in the city. The division is supported by a forensics team.

The following sections and units fall under this division:

• Criminal Investigations Section
  • Crime Lab
  • Domestic Violence Response Program
  • Felony Crimes, Special Victims, and Violent Crimes Units
• Special Operations Section
  • Strategic Investigations Unit
  • Intelligence Support Unit

Support Division

The Support Division delivers myriad services related to the everyday functioning of the department including evidence processing, hiring, logistics, records management, and more. 

These functions include the following:

• Administration & Logistics Section
  • Accreditation & Fleet
  • Property Control Unit
  • Records Management

• Professional Standards & Training Section
  • Personnel & Training Unit
  • Professional Standards Unit