Fuquay-Varina consistently ranks high on lists for being a safe place to live. But the town’s leadership isn’t resting on its laurels. They’re actively working to maintain this reputation through proactive policing strategies, community engagement, and innovative use of data.
Mayor Blake Massengill and Chief Tim Smith pose for a photo at a recent Coffee with a Cop, held monthly at various places around Fuquay-Varina. The informal gatherings help foster positive interactions between police officers and the community.
Programs like Coffee with a Cop, Citizen’s Police Academy, and National Night Out foster strong relationships between residents and the police department. Chief Tim Smith, who took the helm in August after 24 years of service, sees these initiatives as crucial building blocks for trust and open communication. “We feel like we have a great partnership with the community, and we feel like we work effectively with the community,” said Chief Smith.
However, Fuquay-Varina takes its commitment to safety one step further by embracing data-driven policing. In July 2023, the department completed a six-month engagement with the Crime Analyst in Residence (CAR) Program. This initiative strengthened crime analysis capabilities by automating analytical reports, enabling the department to leverage data more effectively in identifying crime and traffic trends. Fuquay-Varina also has a dedicated crime analyst.
“Our department is very data-driven,” says Chief Smith. “We use data to help us be proactive.” This proactive approach allows officers to focus on “hotspots” identified through data analysis, effectively shifting resources to areas that need them most. This strategy not only addresses immediate concerns but also helps prevent future incidents.
“We rely on this data to identify issues and be proactive to put officers in those hotspots. Get ahead of problems — proactive not reactive,” said Chief Smith.
Citizens gain a comprehensive understanding of police operations and services through the 11-week Citizen’s Police Academy course.
The department’s “Repeat Incident and Alarms Report” helps pinpoint locations experiencing persistent issues. By analyzing this data, officers can connect residents and businesses with appropriate resources and support to address these concerns effectively. The recent implementation of eight smaller police districts allows officers to be more visible and responsive within their communities, further strengthening the bond between law enforcement and residents.
Fuquay-Varina’s dedication to safety is an ongoing journey — one marked by continuous improvement, collaboration, and a genuine desire to build a stronger community together.
