SPECIAL SERVICES

The Special Services Division of the Benson Police Department consists of one Traffic Enforcement Officer, and one Nuisance Abatement Officer, and it is also supervised by Lieutenant Greg Percy. 

The Traffic Enforcement Officer position was created in 2003, using grant funds obtained from the State of North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program. Our department received funding to purchase and equip one officer, whose primary responsibility was the enforcement of traffic laws, completion of Wreck Reports, and providing Traffic Safety presentations to the public. The ultimate goal of the Traffic Enforcement program is to facilitate the overall reduction of motor vehicle accident rates in the Town of Benson, which historically have been high, compared to our population.

The Governor's Highway Safety Program did not specify any required make or model of vehicle to purchase, so we selected a 2004 Ford Mustang GT for use as the TEO patrol vehicle. It gets enthusiastic reviews from our local youth community, and has been well received at numerous GHSP gatherings.

In 2007, we received approximately $15,000 in additional funding from the NC GHSP, to purchase and equip a cargo trailer for use during DWI / Traffic Checkpoints. The Highway Safety Trailer contains all the equipment necessary to safely conduct these checkpoints, to include floodlights, a generator, flashlights, signs, and other items, and its deployment and use is the responsibility of the Traffic Enforcement Officer.

The Nuisance Abatement Officer position was created in 2004, to address conditions that were sometimes present in the Town of Benson. The NAO is primarly responsible for enforcing town ordinances relating to Junked and Abandoned Cars, High Grass and Weeds, and Substandard Housing Conditions, among others. Compliance with the various ordinances has been gained primarily by informing residents of the requirements, and little, if any, legal action has been necessary.

Another responsibility of the NAO is Animal Control. The Town of Benson operates a small holding shelter, but eventually, all stray animals are transferred to the county Animal Shelter. The NAO responds to various incidents involving animals, and is also subject to being called upon to capture animals, or assist in other ways at any time. Our Nuisance Abatement Officer has 21 years of law enforcement experience, and over 10 years of experience with Animal Control.

If you would like to schedule a Traffic Safety presentation for your group, or you need to speak with the Nuisance Abatement Officer about specific ordinances, please contact the Police Department at 919-894-2091. You may also contact the NAO by email.