By Nicky Smith
March 7, 2025
Greensboro is fortunate to have a leader like Police Chief John Thompson, who is deeply committed to public safety, community engagement, and officer retention. My recent interview with him made it clear that his leadership is rooted in accountability, transparency, and a vision for long-term career growth within the Greensboro Police Department.
Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community, and Greensboro’s ability to attract businesses, retain families, and foster economic growth depends on a well-supported police force. Chief Thompson is an exceptional law enforcement leader and a visionary who understands that a strong police force must be built on trust, training, and opportunity.
Chief Thompson comes from a large family with deep roots in public service. He understands that policing is not just a job but a career that requires commitment, recognition, and growth opportunities. To retain skilled officers, he emphasizes three key areas:
Creating Meaningful Careers – Officers are encouraged to pursue specializations in community policing, SWAT, K-9, homicide, traffic enforcement, crisis negotiation, and forensic services.
Recognizing Achievements – Ensuring officers feel valued through promotions, awards, and public acknowledgment of their contributions.
Providing Growth Opportunities – Offering leadership training and diverse career paths so officers see Greensboro as a long-term home rather than a stepping stone.
Chief Thompson has identified state retirement policies as a significant barrier to retaining experienced officers. Many are forced to retire early due to financial constraints, despite their willingness to continue serving. He advocates for policy changes that allow officers to extend their careers without sacrificing retirement benefits and ensure that Greensboro retains veteran leadership in law enforcement.
He also recognizes the importance of Greensboro’s police training academy—one of the best in the nation—where recruits are trained in law enforcement and community engagement. His recruitment strategy focuses on attracting individuals who want to live, work, and raise families in Greensboro, reinforcing long-term community stability.
As a lifelong advocate for public safety and community development, we cannot expect Chief Thompson and his officers to succeed without the proper resources and support. Law enforcement should never be expected to operate in a vacuum; it needs strong leadership at all levels of city government to address crime proactively rather than reactively. I am committed to working alongside Chief Thompson to provide the tools, funding, and legislative backing necessary to ensure our police force remains strong and effective.
As a dedicated community leader, I pledge to support Chief Thompson’s initiatives by:
Advocating for Policy Changes – Working to reform state laws that force officers into early retirement.
Enhancing Officer Retention Programs – Ensuring competitive salaries, career advancement, and recognition for Greensboro’s officers.
Investing in Crime Prevention – Supporting initiatives that tackle the root causes of crime, including youth mentorship and community engagement programs.
Promoting Transparency & Public Trust – Strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and residents to build a safer Greensboro.
Public safety is not a partisan issue; it is a fundamental responsibility of city leadership. Chief Thompson’s focus on officer retention, training, and crime prevention is a blueprint for Greensboro’s future, and I stand ready to champion those efforts. By ensuring that the police department is fully staffed, well-trained, and adequately compensated, we can reduce crime, improve response times, and make Greensboro a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.
My commitment to public safety extends beyond words—I will advocate for increased police funding, investment in advanced training programs, and community engagement initiatives that build trust between officers and the residents they serve. Together, we can make Greensboro a model city for effective, community-focused policing.
Chief Thompson’s leadership is instrumental in ensuring that Greensboro remains a safe city. His commitment to officer retention, community trust, and proactive policing sets a high standard for law enforcement. I stand with Chief Thompson and the Greensboro Police Department in making our city safer and stronger, as well as a place where officers and residents can 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, District 4
