Police Department
Employment Opportunity
Police Officer (1 position available)
General statement of duties:
Performs general duty law enforcement work to protect life and property in the Town.
To request reports from the police department, ask questions, or for official correspondence and general information, email records@hudsonpolice.net.
550 Central Street
Hudson, NC 28638
Phone: (828) 728-5021
Fax: (828) 726-0827
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Fee Schedule
| Parking Violation | $15.00 |
|---|---|
| Animal Control Violations | 1st Occurrence — Written Warning 2nd Occurrence — $25.00 Charge 3rd Occurrence — $50.00 Charge 4th Occurrence — State Citation |
| Photographs | We no longer offer this service. |
| Fingerprinting | $3.00 — 1st Card $1.00 each additional In-Town Residents – FREE |
| Taxi Permit | $100.00 Uber – usually does not need permit. |
| Alcohol Permit | $200.00 aside from state fees |
| Special Permit — Door-to-door Sales | $150.00 (90-day permit) |
| Street Festivals | $50.00 permit plus *actual costs |
| Parades | $50.00 permit plus *actual costs |
| Block Parties | $50.00 permit plus *actual costs |
| Street Closings | $75.00 unless traffic control needed — Fees must be paid a minimum of 72 hours in advance of closure. |
| Traffic-Redirecting | $75.00/hr/officer Number of officers needed determined by Chief of Police |
| Residence Checks | FREE |
| Funeral Escorts — **(In Town of special circumstances) | FREE |
| Keys locked in Vehicle | No Charge for this service for Inside or Outside Residents |
*Actual cost is the cost for additional requested/required services beyond the minimum patrol services deemed necessary by the Chief of Police.
**In Town or special circumstances includes funerals that are held in Town or for employees or Board Members of the Town or their families.
The Town of Hudson Police Department is directed by Chief Richard Blevins.
History
Hudson police department began in the early 1960's by a group of volunteers who patrolled in their own cars with the intention of providing police protection to the citizens of the Town of Hudson.
Ken Huss was the first Police Chief and led the volunteer force until the Town decided to hire a full-time officer. In November 1966, Dewy Haynes was hired as the first full-time officer. Since that time, the Police Department has grown as the Town and need for police services grew.
Currently, the Department consists of 12 full-time officers, 1 civilian employee and 2 non-paid reserve officers. Three of our officers are School Resource Officers and one of the School Resource Officers is also our DARE Officer.
Divisions
Administration: (828-728-5021)
Richard Blevins — Chief
Lisa King — Records
Investigations:
Det/Sgt. Scott Lovins
Police Services
Dispatching:
Provided by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Department 911 Center. Administrative phone calls are received by the Records Clerk during business hours and transferred to the 911 Center after hours.
For an emergency, dial 911.
For non-emergency calls, (828) 728-5021.
Patrol:
The Hudson Police Department provides 24-hour patrol. Officers provide security patrol and respond to crimes, disturbances and traffic accidents. It is the goal of the Patrol Division to detect and deter crime, enforce traffic laws and offer assistance of any citizen to the best of their ability.
Patrol Officers' duties range from giving directions to a lost motorist to dealing with armed and violet suspects. Hudson Patrol Officers pride themselves on being friendly and willing to help in any way possible while conducting professional law enforcement.
Traffic enforcement is a major activity for Patrol Officers. Officers arrest approx. 60- 70 DWI drivers each year, along with issuing speeding, no drivers' license, no insurance and other traffic offenses. This emphasis on traffic enforcement makes the roadways safer and helps deter crime.
Another major concern for patrol officers is Building/Residential patrol. This is focused on preventing/appending persons involved in Burglary or Larceny type crimes.
Occasionally, the Patrol Division conducts special enforcement activities such as License or DWI Checkpoints, Unmarked Patrol or Area Surveillance. These activities are directed at specific crime problems and are normally very effective.
Investigations:
The Detective and Community Resource Officer conduct investigations of reported crimes. The department also works with other local agencies in joint drug investigations.
The Resource Officer handles most juvenile investigations while the Detective conducts or directs all other Criminal Investigations. The Detective also works with area Narcotics Officers to conduct drug investigations in Hudson.
A Detective in a town such as Hudson must have a broad range of skills. Investigations in Hudson have ranged from Vandalism to Homicide, but thankfully most are property type crimes instead of crimes against persons.
Administration:
The Chief of Police and the Records Manager compose the Administrative Division of the Hudson Police Department.
The Chief is responsible for the overall operation of the Department. He prepares the budget, work schedule and insures the Department operates within the guidelines of the Constitution, Criminal Justice Standards and Town of Hudson Policy. He also assists with Patrol, Investigations and Records as needed.
The Records Manager maintains the computerized Records Management System, insures compliance with Division of Criminal Intelligence and National Crime Information Computer standards, submits reports to various Local, State & Federal agencies as required. The Records Manager also serves as the Receptionist and Phone Operator.
School Resource Officer at CCC & TI:
This position is funded by a joint partnership between the Town of Hudson and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.
Reserve Officers:
The Hudson Police Department has an Active Reserve Officer program. The department maintains up to 5 Active Reserve Officers. These officers have full police authority but are not normally paid by the Town. Reserve Officers must work a min. of 12 hours per month. This program provides extra police assistance when needed and serves as a training ground for people wanting to enter law enforcement full-time.
Courtesy Services:
- Funeral Escorts
- Keys in Vehicle
- Business Checks
- Bank Escorts
- Residence Checks
Noise Ordinance
Chapter 11, Article 2, Section 11.9-11.10
General Nuisances
Section 11.9 Unnecessary noises prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to create or assist in creating, permit, continue, or permit the continuance of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in the Town. Noise of such character, intensity and duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual is prohibited.
Section 11.10 Noises expressly prohibited.
The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of this Section, but said enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive, namely:
(a) The sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle while not in motion, except as a danger signal if another vehicle is approaching apparently out of control, or if in motion only as a danger signal after or as brakes are being applied and deceleration of the vehicle is intended; the creation by means of any such signal device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time.
(b) The use of any gong or siren upon any vehicle, other than police, fire or other emergency vehicle.
(c) The use or operation of any piano, manual or automatic, phonograph, radio, loud speaker, or any other instrument, or sound amplifying devices so loudly as to disturb persons in the vicinity thereof, or in such a manner as renders the same a public nuisance provided, however, that upon application to the Town Clerk permits may be granted to responsible organizations to produce programs in music, speeches or general entertainment.
(d) The keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity.
(e) The use of any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise.
(f) The blowing of any steam whistle attached to any stationary boiler except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work or as a warning of danger.
(g) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.
(h) The use of any mechanical device operated by compressed air unless the noise created thereby is effectively muffled and reduced.
(i) The erection (including excavation), demolition, alteration or repair of any building in a residential or business district other than between .the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, except in the case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and then only with a permit from the Town Clerk, which permit may be renewed for a period of three days or less while the emergency continues.
(j) The creation of any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any school, institution of learning, or court while the same are in session, or within one hundred and fifty (150) feet of any hospital, which unreasonably interferes with the working of such institution, provided, conspicuous signs are displayed in such streets indicating that the same is a school, court or hospital street.
(k) The creation of any excessive noise on Sundays on any street adjacent to any church, provided, conspicuous signs are displayed in such streets adjacent to churches indicating that the same is a church street.
(1) The creation of loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle, of the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers.
(m) The sounding of any bell or gong attached to any building or premises, which disturbs the quiet or repose of persons in the vicinity thereof.
(n) The shouting and crying of peddlers, barkers, hawkers and vendors which disturbs the quiet and peace of the neighborhood.
(o) The use of any drum, loud speaker or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention by creation of noise to any performance, show or sale or display of merchandise.
(p) The use of any mechanical loud speakers or amplifiers on trucks or other moving vehicles for advertising purposes or other purposes except where specific license is received from the Town Clerk.
(q) The conducting, operating or maintaining of any garage or filling station in any residential district so as to cause loud or offensive noises to be emitted therefrom between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
(r) The firing or discharging of squibs, crackers, gunpowder or other combustible substance in the streets or elsewhere for the purpose of making noise or disturbance, except by permit from the Board.
Animal Ordinance
Chapter 11, Article 3, Section 11.15-11.18
Animals
Section 11.15 Animals at large.
No horse, goat, cattle or other animals, except a domestic house cat with a current rabies inoculation tag, shall be permitted to run at large within the Town Limits.
Running at large means to be off the premises of the owner and not under the reasonable control of the owner or an authorized person, either by leash or otherwise, but an animal within the automobile or other vehicle of its owner shall be deemed to be upon the owner's premises. All animals caught running at large shall be reported to the Caldwell County Animal Control Department by the Hudson Police Department. (Amended by Ord. of 8/4/81 and Ord. of 3/17/97)
Section 11.16 Nuisance.
It shall be unlawful for any animal owner or keeper to harbor, maintain, or permit on any lot, parcel of land, or premises under his control, any dog or other animal which by any sound or cry shall disturb the peace and comfort of the inhabitants of the neighborhood or interfere with any person in the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property. (Ord. of 8/4/8 1)
Section 11.16-1 Running on owner's premises.
The provisions of this Article do not prohibit animals from running at large on the premises of the owner or person having charge of the animal. (Ord. of 8/4/81)
Section 11.16-2 Control and penalty.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having charge of any animal to permit the animal to run at large, unless the animal is under reasonable control as set forth in Section 11.15 of this Article.
For the purpose of this Article, an animal shall be deemed not under control when:
(1) The animal inflicts damage or injury (by biting, jumping upon, pollution of vegetation, or by any other means whatsoever) to the person or property of anyone other than the owner, except in the defense of the owner, his family, or property.
(2) In the case of any unspayed female animal, when the animal is not securely confined in the owner's yard, pen or other enclosure.
(b) Any animal found running at large in the Town of Hudson shall be impounded. It shall be the duty of the Hudson Police Department, in cooperation with the Caldwell County Animal Control Department, to capture and impound said animal(s) in the Caldwell County Animal Shelter. Any person owning, keeping, or having charge or control of any animal and allowing the animal to run at large in violation of the provisions of this Article shall pay a civil penalty in accordance with the Town of Hudson Schedule of Fees. Any subsequent violations may be punished as a misdemeanor in accordance with Section 14-4 of the General Statutes. (Ord. of 8/4/8 1; amended by Ord. of 3/17/97)
Section 11.17 Bird sanctuary.
The entire area embraced within the corporate limits of the Town of Hudson is hereby designated as a bird sanctuary. It shall be unlawful to trap, hunt, shoot or attempt to shoot or molest in any manner any bird or wild fowl or to rob bird nests or wild fowl nests. Provided, however, if starlings or similar birds are found to be congregating in such numbers in a particular locality that they constitute a nuisance or menace to health or property in the opinion of the proper health authorities of the Town of Hudson, then in such event said health authorities shall meet with representatives of the Audubon Society, Bird Club, Garden Club or Humane Society, or as many of said clubs as are found to exist in the Town of Hudson, after having given said clubs at least three days actual notice of the time and place of said meeting to the representatives of said clubs. If, as a result of said meeting, no satisfactory alternative is found to abate such nuisance, then said birds may be destroyed in such numbers and in such manner as is deemed advisable by said health authorities under supervision of Chief of Police of the Town of Hudson.
Anyone violating the provisions of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200.00) or imprisoned for a period not to exceed thirty days. (Ord. of 2/6/73, as amended by Ord. of 8/4/81 and Ord. of 3/17/97)
Section 11.18 Caldwell County Animal Control Ordinance.
The Caldwell County Animal Control Ordinance, adopted by the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners on March 17, 1997, was adopted in its entirety by the Town of Hudson Board of Commissioners. The Ordinance was adopted as follows:
CALDWELL COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
Adopted this the 17th day of March, 1997
This document replaces the original Animal Control Ordinance and amendments, beginning with Book 887, Page 419.
A copy of this ordinance is on file in the Town Clerk's Office.
Section 11.19 reserved.
ALP Supp. No. 15
FAQs
Is there a leash law in Hudson?
There is an animal control ordinance "leash law" in Hudson. The ordinance basic rule is that animals must be under the owners' control or on the owner property. The ordinance also provides that it is unlawful to keep animals that disturb the "peace and comfort" of the neighborhood. A complete copy of the Animal ordinance is available.
Enforcement of the Animal Control section is a complaint driven activity for the Hudson Police Department. When an individual complains, the Department will attempt to contact the owner and inform them of the ordinance and request compliance. This is considered a Verbal Warning. On the next offense the Department will issue a Written Warning to the owner. On the third offense the Department will issue a citation for allowing the animal to run at large.
Animal Problems - If the owner cannot be located the Department will place a trap to attempt to capture the animal. Captured animals are turned over to Caldwell County Animal Control. In order to place the trap, the Department must have permission from the property owner.
Is there a Noise ordinance in Hudson?
There is a noise ordinance in Hudson. The ordinance basic rule is any noise that disturbs the "peace and repose" of other person in the vicintiy is unlawful unless a permit is issued. A copy of the Noise ordinance is available upon request.
Enforcement of the Noise ordinance section is also complaint driven. When officers receive a call of loud noise/music, the officer attempts to determine the location the noise is coming from. Provided the officer deems the noise to be excessive and disturbing they will request the person to reduce or stop the noise. If the person refuses to comply a citation may issued.
How do I request special police checks?
If you are going out of town, having a special event, or problem, and need the Police Department to check your home or property simply call the department at 728-5021.
Will the Hudson Police Department sponsor me to BLET?
Due to the background requirements, the Hudson Police Department only sponsors those individuals who have a previous affiliation with the Town or the Department such as former service, Police Explorers, etc. Contact the department to see if your are eligible for sponsorship.
How do I become a Police Officer?
Minimum requirement: 20 years old, High School/GED, Pass Reading Comprehension Testing, Complete Basic Law Enforcement Training taught at a Community College.
How do I get a copy of police reports?
Incident, Accident and Arrest reports are all public information. To get a copy a police report simply stop by the Hudson Police Department between 8:30 - 5:00 M-F or call us at 728-5021 and request a copy of the report. You will need the name of the involved person and date of the report. If you have access to a fax machine we will gladly fax a copy or you may pick up a copy at the department. There is no charge for reports.
How do I get Free GunLocks?
Simply come by the Hudson Police Department during business hours and we will provide you locks to prevent improper access to you firearms.
What are the Hudson firearms regulations?
Section 11.11 Firearms regulated.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm of any type within the corporate limits except a peace officer in the performance of his duty.
Section 11.11-1 Carrying concealed handguns prohibited on Town property.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) below, all persons are prohibited from carrying concealed handguns as defined in G.S. 14.269 in Town owned buildings, their appurtenant premises and parks.
(b) This prohibition shall not apply to the following persons:
(1) Officers and enlisted personnel of the forces of the United States when in discharge of their official duties as such and acting under orders requiring them to carry arms and weapons;
(2) Civil officers of the United States while in the discharge of their official duties;
(3) Officers and soldiers of the militia and the National Guard when called into actual service;
(4) Sworn law enforcement officers;
(5) Animal Control officers;
(c) A conspicuous notice shall be posted at each entrance to any property forth in (a) above stating; Possession of weapons or carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited.
(d) Any person in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined $500 or imprisoned for six months or both.
(e) Weapons possessed in violation of this ordinance are hereby declared to be contraband. The Chief of Police or his designee shall hold such weapon for disposal pursuant to court order. In the absence of any Court order, the weapon shall be destroyed.
(Ord. of 9/12/95)
Are there rules against posting advertisments or bills?
Section 11.12 Posting bills-other advertising.
No person shall stick, paint, brand, stamp, write or put upon any house, fence, wall, pavement, post or upon any property, owned by any person, firm or
ALP Supp. No. 15