Police Department

Mission

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. 

McDowell County Communications Center

In 2011, the City of Marion consolidated its Police dispatching operations into the McDowell County Communications Center, now located on the first floor of the Police Department building. The McDowell County Sheriff's Department dispatching operation joined the consolidated Communications Center in late 2011. All police, fire, and EMS calls in McDowell County are now handled by the consolidated McDowell County Communications Center. The Communications Center can be reached by calling 911 for emergencies and 828-652-3231 or 828-652-4000 for nonemergencies. Annually, the Marion Police Department receives over 27,000 calls.

Staff & Divisions

The Department has 26 full-time sworn positions, one full¬time civilian position, and eight reserve positions. The Department maintains Administrative, Patrol, and Investigative divisions. The department also maintains a Special Response Team (SRT) for high-risk situations. Allen Lawrence serves as the Police Chief for the City of Marion.

Community Involvement

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 two School Resource Officers. One officer is assigned to East McDowell Middle School while the other splits time between Marion Elementary School and Eastfield Global Magnet School. The Department provides property checks for residents and business checks for businesses in the City Limits.