Congressman Davis urges reversal of police dissolution as Snow Hill schedules emergency meeting
SNOW HILL — U.S. Congressman Don Davis is urging the Town of Snow Hill to reconsider its decision to dissolve the municipal police department, as the town’s Board of Commissioners prepares for an emergency meeting scheduled for Monday, June 2, at 1 p.m. The meeting follows a 3-2 vote last week to disband the department and transition law enforcement services to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
Davis, who represents North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District and is a former mayor of Snow Hill, issued a public statement on May 31 encouraging town leaders to reverse course.
“Nearly 15 years ago, the Snow Hill Police Department was formed to improve public safety, protect residents, and allow everyone to feel more secure in their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods,” Davis said. “Dedicated police officers on patrol enforce the law, foster trust within the community, and promote a sense of pride. I strongly urge town officials to reverse course, reconsider their decision, and keep the Snow Hill Police Department intact.”
The town board’s May 28 vote saw Commissioners Lorraine Washington, Faye Daniels, and Geraldine Shackleford in favor of dissolving the department, with Commissioners Dianne Andrews and Rosa Wilkes opposed.
Following the vote, Chief of Police Josh Smith expressed appreciation for his officers and concern for the loss of local service. He previously stated during a May 21 budget workshop that the department could remain operational within a balanced budget.
Talks between Snow Hill officials and Greene County leaders regarding potential sheriff’s office coverage reportedly began weeks prior to the vote but were not disclosed to the police department, according to Smith. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that it could provide 24-hour coverage and absorb existing officers if the dissolution proceeds.
Town officials have not publicly commented on the motivations behind the initial decision or on the specifics of Monday’s emergency meeting agenda. The meeting is set to take place at Snow Hill Town Hall, 908 SE Second Street.
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