SALISBURY — The Salisbury Police Department announced earlier this year that the department was reorganizing, but made it official Monday.
The reorganization, a press release said, is “part of an extensive restructuring process,” that is aimed at “better aligning key individuals with leadership roles.”
Several new divisions were formed, including a street crimes unit and patrol management.
Eleven officers were promoted:
• Lt. Melonie Thompson, promoted to captain, Operations Division, patrol and traffic.
• Lt. Shelia Lingle, promoted to captain, Police Services, criminal investigations, drug unit, street crimes unit, communication center, records and supported areas.
• Sgt. Andy Efird, promoted to lieutenant, Professional Standards, internal affairs, accreditation process, K-9 unit, fleet management, staff inspections and other related areas.
• Sgt. Tom Wilsey, promoted to lieutenant, Patrol Management, management within the patrol function.
• Sgt. Lee Walker, promoted to lieutenant, Patrol Management, management within the patrol function.
• Sgt. Brian Stallings, promoted to lieutenant, Criminal Investigations, Criminal Investigations Unit, detectives, drug investigators and street crimes unit.
• Officer Todd Sides, promoted to sergeant, Criminal Investigations, first-line detectives supervision, and will continue as primary “gangs intelligence” officer for the department.
• Officer Jason Robertson, promoted to sergeant, Patrol Team, first-line supervision for patrol officers.
• Officer Joe Miller, promoted to sergeant, recruitment, management of the departmental recruitment process.
• Officer Mark Hunter, promoted to sergeant, patrol team, first-line supervision for patrol officers.
• Officer Rodney Mahaley, promoted to sergeant, drug unit, first-line supervision for drug unit investigators.
Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins said the evaluation process recently completed includes “multiple categories of research and review.”
“By examining the strengths, capabilities and proven leadership of individuals within our department, we were able to identify many truly skilled and knowledgeable leaders,” Collins said. “These individuals will assist our sworn and civilian staff as we move forward together and make significant strides toward the transition and growth of the Salisbury Police Department,” he said in a press release.
“Our greatest achievements will be recognized by continuing to keep a positive attitude and by remembering that our department exists in order to serve our citizens to the best of our abilities,” Collins said.