Support Division

The Support Division provides the resources and systems essential to line operations through the management of the Personnel and Training, Internal Affairs, Evidence and Property, Custody and Transport, Planning and Research, Accreditation, and Crime Analysis activities of the department.

The Personnel & Training Unit is responsible for recruiting, testing, and hiring quality candidates for police officer and civilian positions, including minority and under-represented candidates and candidates with bilingual language skills. It also coordinates the department’s training programs, consistent with state and national standards, to keep our personnel well trained and prepared for the challenges they face. It also tracks and provides information relative to employee payroll, benefits, training and other essential personnel functions.

The Internal Affairs Unit receives and investigates complaints directed to the department and ensures each complaint is thoroughly investigated and employees are held accountable. The Internal Affairs Sergeant also provides information and training to the City's Community Police Review Board.

The Accreditation Unit works to maintain full accreditation status with the Oregon Commission on Accreditation for law enforcement agencies, ensuring the Salem Police Department meets all core professional standards.The Planning and Research Unit collects, analyzes and disseminates crime information, statistical data, and financial information that are useful, relevant, and timely for use by supervisors and field units in identifying crime trends and deployment of resources. This information is also used by managers in planning and administering budgets. The Fleet and Technology Officer provides modern, functional and efficient police vehicles and technological equipment to officers including mobile data computers, which allow officers access to the computer-aided dispatch system. Field officers can also access photographs of missing and wanted persons, maps, policies and reference material when and where it is needed. The Evidence and Property Unit manages all police evidence, other seized property, and the supplies and equipment necessary for police officers and support staff to do their job.

The Support Division has 14.75 FTE: One Deputy Chief, one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, two Officers, one Management Analyst II, two Crime Analysts, one Human Resources Technician, one Staff Assistant I Confidential, one Property Control Supervisor, one Property Control Technician and one 3/4 time Office Assistant I.