5 Critical Updates On The Goldsboro Police Department (NC) That Will Change Your View Of Community Safety
The Goldsboro Police Department (GPD) is currently undergoing significant strategic and operational changes, aiming to elevate community safety and transparency in Wayne County, North Carolina. As of December 22, 2025, the department is focused on leveraging federal grant funding for new community policing initiatives and has recently addressed high-profile incidents with a commitment to public accountability.
This article provides an in-depth look at the GPD’s current leadership, its organizational structure, and the critical updates that are defining its approach to modern law enforcement, including its pursuit of a major federal grant and its response to recent public scrutiny over officer conduct.
Chief Michael West: A Profile in Local Leadership
The Goldsboro Police Department is led by Chief Michael "Mike" West, a figure deeply rooted in the Goldsboro community with a long history of service within the department. His career trajectory provides a clear example of local talent rising through the ranks to executive leadership.
- Name: Michael "Mike" West (often referred to as Chief Pete West).
- Education: A proud graduate of Eastern Wayne High School, demonstrating his local ties to the community he now serves.
- Experience: Chief West possesses over 23 years of dedicated law enforcement experience, all accrued within the Goldsboro Police Department.
- Prior Role: Before assuming the permanent role of Chief, he served as the Interim Chief of Police, guiding the department through a period of transition and demonstrating his capacity for strategic oversight.
- Focus: Under his leadership, the GPD has placed a strong emphasis on community engagement, organizational restructuring, and securing resources like the COPS 2025 grant to enhance officer training and outreach programs.
Chief West’s local background is seen as a key asset in building trust and understanding the unique challenges facing the residents of Goldsboro, North Carolina. He has been a vocal proponent of transparency, notably issuing a public statement following the release of bodycam footage from a recent violent arrest incident.
The 2025 Strategic Shift: Grants, Transparency, and Organizational Structure
The Goldsboro Police Department is not resting on its laurels. The year 2025 has been marked by a proactive push for external funding and a commitment to internal review, highlighted by several key strategic initiatives.
Pursuit of the COPS 2025 Community Policing Microgrant
A major focus for the GPD is the pursuit of a significant federal resource. Chief West confirmed the department is actively requesting funds through the U.S. Department of Justice’s COPS 2025 Community Policing Development Microgrant Program.
The department is seeking approximately $175,000, which would be allocated to projects designed to enhance community-police relations and streamline the effectiveness of existing outreach resources.
This grant is critical for funding innovative programs that go beyond traditional policing, directly impacting the quality of community police services offered to the over 39,000 citizens of Goldsboro.
Organizational Restructuring and Key Divisions
To support its strategic goals, the GPD has a clearly defined organizational structure, designed to manage all aspects of law enforcement and community support. The department is organized into three major bureaus under the Office of the Chief of Police.
- Operations Bureau: This is the backbone of the department, encompassing the uniformed Patrol Division. The Patrol Division operates four shifts on a rotating schedule and divides the City of Goldsboro into six distinct patrol sectors for efficient coverage.
- Investigative Services Bureau: This bureau handles major case work and is led by Major Bryant Canady. It oversees 11 Investigators (Detectives) who are responsible for following up on complex cases, from property crimes to violent offenses.
- Support Services Bureau: This bureau provides essential administrative and specialized services, including the Housing Unit, which focuses on promoting safe living environments, and other crucial support functions.
A recent strategic plan (2024-2028) emphasizes organizational restructuring to streamline the effectiveness of the Community Police Services Division, moving resources to enhance outreach efforts.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
The GPD has demonstrated a commitment to transparency, even when facing internal scrutiny. This commitment is evident in two key areas: the release of incident footage and the publishing of internal statistics.
The 2025 Violent Arrest Bodycam Release
In a move toward greater transparency, the Goldsboro Police Department released bodycam footage of a violent arrest that occurred in 2025.
The incident involved officers responding to a report of trespassing and threats against employees at the Grand at Day Point Apartments. The release of the footage, accompanied by a statement from Chief West, acknowledged the gravity of the event and provided context while underscoring the department's internal review process.
This willingness to publicly address controversial incidents, including the release of video evidence, is a critical step in maintaining public trust and demonstrating accountability to the Goldsboro community.
Internal Affairs and Crime Data
The department actively publishes data related to its operations and officer conduct. Citizens can access Complaint and Internal Affairs Statistics to see how the GPD handles allegations against its personnel.
Furthermore, the GPD maintains a public-facing Crime Dashboard and Crime Maps on the City of Goldsboro’s geospatial data hub. This tool allows the public to query and visualize crime data, such as incidents of vandalism, assault, and other offenses, providing an up-to-date picture of safety in different areas of the city.
Goldsboro Police Department Community Engagement Programs
Community outreach remains a core pillar of the GPD’s mission, focusing on proactive engagement rather than reactive enforcement. These programs are essential components of the department’s Community Police Services.
- National Night Out: The GPD is a major sponsor of this annual community-building event, which is scheduled for October 7, 2025, in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro (HACG).
- School Resource Officers (SROs): Dedicated officers are assigned to local schools, fostering positive relationships with students and ensuring a safe educational environment.
- Victim Assistance: The department provides dedicated support services and resources to victims of crime, helping them navigate the legal process and recover from traumatic events.
- Goldsboro Police Explorers Post 209: This program allows young men and women to interact with officers in a positive environment, providing a mentorship opportunity and insight into law enforcement careers.
- Bicycle Registration: A practical community program that allows citizens to register and engrave their bicycles, creating a permanent record that aids in recovery if stolen.
These initiatives, alongside specialized units like the Honor Guard and Crime Scene Unit, illustrate the GPD’s multi-faceted approach to public safety that extends far beyond patrol and investigations.
Conclusion
The Goldsboro Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Michael West, is currently navigating a period of significant modernization and community-focused strategic planning. The focus on securing the COPS 2025 grant, the commitment to organizational restructuring, and the willingness to address high-profile incidents with transparency all point to a department dedicated to enhancing safety and building trust in Goldsboro, NC. By utilizing its structured bureaus and extensive community programs, the GPD is working to ensure a safer and more engaged Wayne County for all its residents.
Goldsboro Police Department Contact Information (Non-Emergency)
- General Information: 919-580-4200
- Non-Emergency Dispatch: 919-705-6572
- Physical Address: 204 S Center St, Goldsboro, NC 27530
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