BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

A Safer Greensboro: Supporting Our Police, Supporting Our Community

Looking ahead to 2025, Thompson says one of the department’s biggest challenges will be addressing domestic violence, which saw nearly a 40% increase in 2024.

Building Trust, Reducing Crime: How Nicky Smith Plans to Support Greensboro Police for a Safer Community

By Nicky Smith, Candidate for Greensboro City Council

Nicky Smith, Greensboro City Council candidate, standing proudly with a vision to enhance public safety, strengthen community partnerships, and build a brighter future for Greensboro.

As a lifelong advocate for Greensboro, I am deeply committed to ensuring our city is a safe and thriving community for all residents. At the heart of this mission lies the Greensboro Police Department (GPD), working tirelessly to protect and serve despite challenges such as limited resources, understaffing, and public misperceptions.

This year, under the leadership of Police Chief John Thompson, the GPD has made significant strides in reducing crime and improving safety. A 20% reduction in homicides—from 74 in 2023 to 43 in 2024—is not just a statistic; it represents lives saved and communities safeguarded. Chief Thompson reflects on this success with humility and determination: “I think personally what I’ve learned is I want to see things happen quicker. I think I’m kind of like everyone else. You want to see those instant results.”

These results are not coincidental but rather the outcome of strategic initiatives such as proactive enforcement, expanded community outreach, and investments in advanced technology. The department’s efforts to build relationships with organizations like Mothers Against Gun Violence and Families Against Senseless Killings have strengthened community trust and engagement. Chief Thompson’s emphasis on collaboration—“We’re interacting at all levels of our department and all levels of the community”—is a modern policing model prioritizes partnerships over policing in isolation.

However, the challenges faced by the GPD are significant. Violent crime arrests have risen by 19%, and gun seizures have increased by 14%. While these figures demonstrate the department’s effectiveness in targeting high-risk individuals, they also highlight the scale of the work still to be done. Chief Thompson aptly puts it: “We can go out and take 3,000 firearms off the street, but we want to make sure we’re taking firearms off the individuals who are using those guns to commit crimes.”

As your city council representative, I will stand firmly with our police department to provide the support they need to succeed. Here’s how I plan to help:

1. Enhancing Recruitment and Retention

The GPD is understaffed, which stretches existing officers thin and limits their ability to implement long-term strategies. I will champion efforts to improve recruitment by contacting senior officers in neighboring communities who bring valuable experience to our force. We can attract and retain top talent by creating competitive incentives and fostering a culture of respect.

2. Changing the Narrative

Too often, public discourse paints law enforcement as adversaries rather than allies. This perception needs to change. The GPD is doing exceptional work under challenging circumstances, and I will actively promote positive news about their efforts and successes. Transparency, community engagement, and storytelling are key to reshaping how residents view our police force.

3. Addressing Resource Gaps

Chief Thompson has outlined clear needs for the department, including alignment of resources and enhanced technologies. As a city council member, I prioritize funding for these critical areas. This investment is not just in our police force but in the safety and well-being of every Greensboro resident.

4. Strengthening Community Partnerships

Building trust requires partnership. I will work to bridge gaps between the GPD and their communities, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. From supporting programs for children to addressing domestic violence with community resources, the council must play a proactive role in fostering these connections.

Greensboro has challenges ahead—rising traffic fatalities, domestic violence cases, and the ongoing battle against drug addiction—but I believe in our ability to overcome them. By working collaboratively with Chief Thompson, the GPD, and the residents of this great city, we can build a Greensboro where every individual feels safe, valued, and supported.

Let’s embrace the words of Chief Thompson: “How do we take that fentanyl off the street? How do we help the community and those who need the resources to overcome addiction?” We can answer these questions and many more, not with division but with unity and purpose.

The Greensboro Police Department cannot do this alone. As your city council representative, I will ensure they have the resources, support, and respect they need to succeed. A safer Greensboro starts with all of us—standing together, working together, and believing in a brighter future for our community.

Let’s make Greensboro safer, stronger, and united. Together.

A Vision for a Safer Greensboro

Greensboro is a city full of potential, but we cannot thrive if our residents feel unsafe. By investing in our police force, improving infrastructure, and fostering community trust, we can create a city where families flourish and businesses grow. Together, we can make Greensboro a place where safety and security are priorities and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s build the future our city deserves. Greensboro is ready for a new era—let’s get to work.

Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.

Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council