Building a Safer, Stronger Greensboro: Investing in Our Police Force for a Thriving Community

By Nicky Smith

At the recent Greensboro City Council retreat, Police Chief John Thompson made a compelling case for the urgent need to expand our police force. With 62 vacant officer positions and a rapidly growing city, it is clear that public safety must be a top priority. As a leader in our community, I am committed to working alongside Chief Thompson to ensure he has the resources necessary to build a stronger, more engaged police department.

A City on the Rise Needs a Well-Staffed Police Force

Greensboro’s growth is undeniable. In 2024 alone, we have seen over $430 million in capital investments, major infrastructure projects, and economic expansion attracting new businesses and residents. With this growth comes the responsibility to ensure our city remains safe and livable for everyone. A well-staffed police force is essential for crime prevention and fostering positive relationships between officers and the communities they serve.

Chief Thompson’s report highlighted the significant staffing challenges his department faces. While the city has secured a federal grant to fund 30 new officers for three years, Greensboro must commit to funding the remaining costs and planning for long-term sustainability. This is not just about filling vacancies—it’s about ensuring officers have the support, training, and resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

Strengthening Community Engagement

One of the key concerns raised at the retreat was the need for more police visibility and engagement, particularly in East Greensboro. Councilwoman Sharon Hightower pointed out that many residents do not see officers patrolling their neighborhoods. While no one wants over-policing, a visible and approachable police presence helps build trust between law enforcement and the community.

Chief Thompson’s efforts to reintroduce community policing—such as officers engaging with youth through sports—are steps in the right direction. However, for these efforts to be successful, our police force must have adequate staffing to allow officers to take the time to build relationships rather than respond to emergencies.

My Commitment to Supporting Chief Thompson

As a business leader and an advocate for Greensboro’s future, I am committed to working with Chief Thompson, city officials, and community leaders to ensure we meet our public safety needs. This means:

1. Advocating for Full Staffing – I will support initiatives prioritizing hiring and retaining officers, including competitive pay and incentives to attract top talent.
2. Enhancing Community Policing Efforts – We must equip officers with the training and resources needed to build trust and foster partnerships with residents.
3. Securing Sustainable Funding – While federal grants are helpful, Greensboro must plan for the long-term costs of maintaining a fully staffed and well-equipped police force.
4. Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships—The business community can support public safety initiatives, from funding community engagement programs to advocating for responsible budgeting.

A Safe Greensboro is a Thriving Greensboro

Public safety is the foundation of a strong, growing city. Suppose we want Greensboro to continue attracting businesses, creating jobs, and providing its residents with a high quality of life. In that case, we must ensure our police department is equipped to handle the challenges ahead.

I encourage residents, business owners, and city leaders to join me in supporting Chief Thompson’s vision for a safer Greensboro. Together, we can ensure that as our city grows, we remain a community where families feel safe, businesses thrive, and law enforcement officers have the resources to protect and serve.

In addition to the recent Greensboro News & Record article highlighting Police Chief John Thompson’s call for increased staffing, several other sources have reported on the Greensboro Police Department’s staffing challenges:

• WFMY News 2 reported that the department is currently short by 120 officers, leading to increased workloads and potential burnout among existing staff. Command staff, including Chief Thompson, have been actively participating in field duties, such as directing traffic during city events to address immediate needs. wfmynews2.com

• FOX8 discussed a proposal by Chief Thompson to reduce the number of officer positions as a strategy to strengthen the department. This approach aims to reallocate resources and improve efficiency amid the staffing shortages. myfox8.com

These reports underscore the critical need for effective recruitment and retention strategies to ensure the Greensboro Police Department can continue to serve the community effectively.

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.