The Police Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Marion through proactive enforcement, patrol and investigations within the City Limits.  In 2010-11, more than 28,300 calls of service were received by the Police Department, over 680 traffic accidents were investigated and more than 1,300 crimes were reported.

The City’s total crime rate has been steady for many years and the violent crime rate has decreased, despite substantial growth in the City’s population.  Since 2004, the City’s total crime rate as reported by the North Carolina SBI has decreased by 1.7 percent and decreased by 19.2 percent on a per capita basis, due to the City's growing population.  Since 2004, the City’s violent crime rate (accounting for murders, rapes, armed robberies and aggravated assaults) as reported by the North Carolina SBI has decreased by 16.3 percent and decreased by 30.4 percent on a per capita basis. 

The Marion Police Department has 25 full-time sworn positions, one full-time civilian position, one part-time Community Policing Coordinator and eight reserve positions.

The Department maintains Administrative, Patrol and Investigative divisions.  Community policing and crime prevention are stressed through Neighborhood and Business Watch Programs, business visits and events such as National Night Out.  The Department is involved in the schools by maintaining a School Resource Officer at East McDowell Junior High School.  The Department provides property checks for residents and business checks for businesses in the City Limits.

The Police Department building is located at 270 South Main Street.

Mark Brooks serves as the Police Chief for the City of Marion.