Siler Chief Police Chief Mike Wagner started his law enforcement career with the Albemarle County Police Department in Albemarle County, Virginia, in September of 1991. After retiring in May 2019, he was named as the Chief of Police of Siler City last June 3. This week, we speak with Wagner about his transition to Siler City and his goals for the department.
An Army veteran with 13 years of service in the United States Army and the Virginia Army National Guard, Wagner served overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2010. He earned an associate’s degree in Police Science from Piedmont Virginia Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Bluefield College, a master’s Degree from Liberty University in Human Services/Executive Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Police Executive Leadership from the University of Louisville.
How are you settling in as the new Police Chief, and how are you finding Siler City?
I am settling in quite well. I have found the transition to Siler City a rewarding experience. The privilege of meeting great people who are curious to see what waits for the Police Department under new leadership. The hospitality that I have received by several civic groups, the school system, and public safety partners has provided me with opportunities to listen to the community and their concerns. In addition, the face-to-face conversations I have had with citizens stopping by the department has provided me with a valuable historic perspective.
You’ve embarked on the task of providing the Siler City Police Department with a mission statement and a strategic plan. Let’s talk about the mission statement first. It may be a work in progress, but how do you describe, as you’re meeting people, the mission of your department and its officers and staff?
The Mission Statement and the Core Values were developed directly from input from all members of the department. The greatest asset I have is the sworn and civilian staff at the department. They have provided me with an overview of where the department is, where they would like to see it and shared their goals and aspirations.
The mission of the Siler City Police Department is to provide professional police services that improve quality of life issues, reduce crime and serve our diverse citizens with compassion, dignity and respect. We strive to educate the public on crime trends and to provide the best experiences for our citizens and visitors to make Siler City a safe community to work, live and visit.
Our focus is on:
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Accountability
• Courage
• Respect
What can you tell us about the strategic plan?
The department is currently developing a strategic plan and we hope to have it completed soon.
The plan will concentrate on creating a vision for the department to meet the demands and expectations of our community and employees. The plan is to align the department with the 21st Century Policing Model recommendations that address community policing, officer wellness, the use of social media, and creating an open line of communication through community engagement activities. It has provisions to expand our training to ensure that our officers are trained to the highest standards and expose them to the changing trends in mental illness, at risk youth, and crimes targeting our seniors.
Crime, unfortunately, is something we’ll always have with us. As you’ve settled into the position, what are your impressions of trends you’re seeing in Siler City, and how do you plan to address specific types of crimes that seem to be prevalent here?
Yes, unfortunately crime will always be with us, but I am committed to making Siler City the safest small town in North Carolina. This commitment will require officers to make themselves available to citizens by providing a balanced approach to crime prevention and enforcement efforts. The only way we can be successful with crime prevention and reduction is by developing open dialogue. In the future we may consider a Crime Stoppers tip line.
Currently, the department is addressing complaints about narcotic sales, loitering, and crimes associated with this behavior. The town has also seen an increase in the amount of aggravated assaults, which causes concerns. Siler City has a wonderful small-town character — let’s not become complacent and fail to take the necessary steps to stop or prevent crime.
Staffing has been an issue for the department, as well as for the city and Pittsboro as well. Can you talk about your philosophy on hiring and training?
Staffing at the department is one of my main topics of conversation. The hiring and training of officers is one of the most critical investments local government can make. We will take advantage of state-of-the-art technology so that my officers can be better prepared and more effective.
Moving forward the police department is looking to develop a workforce that is balanced with the citizens we serve. We will continue to hire candidates that possess the departments core values and are committed to selfless service. Training in the department has become a high priority. We will enhance and expand training opportunities for our officers and civilian staff.
What’s ahead for the department in the near future? Changes?
The future of the Siler City police department will embark upon a new level of exceptional police services that will provide trust among our community and increase the morale of our dedicated employees.