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I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to the City of Southport. We are a full-service Police Department capable of handling the needs of both our permanent residents and many visitors. We are innovative and responsive to the needs of those we serve and work in partnership with our communities.

The Southport Police Department is proud to serve and is constantly searching to find new ways to enhance our community policing efforts. We encourage our citizenry to share ideas with us. We feel working together, we can make a difference and help maintain a high quality of life for our residents and visitors. We can accomplish this through community efforts, integrity and professionalism.

Very Respectfully,
Chief Todd Coring
Tel: (910) 457-7913 | Email

Mission Statement

The mission of the Southport Police Department is to safeguard the lives and property as well as protect the innocent from becoming victims of crime while always respecting the people’s constitutional rights. We perform partnerships with communities to improve the quality of life for all citizens who visit or call Southport home. We value the public’s trust in our agency as we work to exhibit sound judgment and open communication. We have placed a strong emphasis on Leadership, management, and problem-solving partnerships with our citizens through community policing.

We intend to fulfill the challenging responsibilities through active participation in the following shared values:

Integrity – Integrity is the heart of all we do and key to maintaining the trust of our citizens, community, and partners. We stand truthful and honest with those we serve. We demonstrate positive behavior and observe the highest moral and ethical principles.

Professionalism – The Police Department strives to be selfless in our devotion to duty. We will carry out our mission with discipline and self-control, professionalism, and respect for others. Our conduct and demeanor display the highest standard of personal and organizational excellence.

Service – We are dedicated to enhancing public safety and reducing the fear and the incidence of crime. People in our communities are the most important customers. Our motto “To Protect and Serve” is not just a slogan, it’s our guide. In partnership with those in our communities, we will do our best, within the law, to solve community problems that affect public safety. We value the great diversity of people in both our residential and business communities and serve with equal dedication.

Submit a Tip

If you have any information regarding any crime that has occurred in the City of Southport please let us know. Reporting crime keeps Southport safer for you and all citizens. Please fill out the form using the button below, then click the “Submit” button. You can choose to remain completely anonymous by leaving the reporting person’s information blank. Or, if you would like us to contact you, please complete the reporting person’s information section. Within the limits of the law, all information will be kept confidential.

Click here to submit a Tip Online

Tips submitted on the weekend will be reviewed on Monday morning. Tips submitted during the week but after normal business hours will be reviewed the following morning.

The quickest way to report even the smallest infraction of the law is to call 9-1-1. You will NOT get in trouble. All officers are dispatched through 9-1-1 NOT through the Southport Police Dept. The Southport Police Department phone is ONLY capable of handling non-emergency calls.

When should you use 9-1-1?

Nine-one-one (9-1-1) is only to be used in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police/sheriff, the fire department or an ambulance. If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency you should call 9-1-1. It’s better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance.

Do not call 9-1-1

for information
for directory assistance
when you’re bored and just want to talk
for paying traffic tickets
for your pet
as a prank

If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, do not hang up. Tell the call taker what happened so they know there really isn’t an emergency.

For more information about using the 911 emergency call system please click here.

Help For Our Citizens

The Southport Police Department has several programs focusing on community issues such as child welfare, we care, house check, safe driving in school zones and neighborhoods, and drug use. The department also works closely with community advisory councils within the community to strengthen the relationship between members of the community and police. For more information about these services please call (910) 457-7911 or complete the House Check Request form here.

“We Care” Calling Program

What is the “We Care” Calling Program

The “We Care” calling program is a FREE telephone reassurance service offered by the Southport Police Department. This program is designed to enhance the quality of life for older adults, adults with disabilities, or those who live alone or who are at risk of sudden illness, falls, accidents, and/or social isolation.

Through this program, the Southport Police Department places a daily call to each person enrolled at a specified time. If no response is received, an Officer is dispatched to the residence to ensure the person’s safety.

How the Program Works

Staff with the Southport Police Department will call subscribers at their pre-determined time each day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If the subscriber is okay, we will record that information on our daily log.

If the subscriber does not answer the phone, a second call will be placed. If no response to the second call an Officer will be dispatched to make contact with the subscriber. If needed the provided key holder will be called by the Officer to respond to assist in checking on the subscriber. Together they will take the necessary steps to make personal contact with the subscriber to assure they are OK.

If the subscriber is not going to be home at the time of the call (out of town, doctor’s appointments, etc.), they will be asked to call our office to leave a message indicating they will not be home.

It is important to note that our “We Care” calling program is not intended to take the place of Lifeline, Life phone, or any other service that one might currently be utilized. In fact, we urge people to use those services in addition to our “We Care” calling program.

Program Application Services

Anyone interested in signing up for our “We Care” calling program is asked to fill out a short form that includes personal, medical, and other information which Officers may need in the event of an emergency. It is also required that subscribers provide at least two contacts (a relative or neighbor) that possess keys to their residence in the event Officers to need to enter the residence to check on the subscriber.

All information will be kept confidential and secure at the Southport Police Department. A waiver of liability is also required to be completed and signed.

For more information on our “We Care” calling program you can call our office, 910-457-7911 and ask or go to our webpage, cityofsouthport.com under Police Department and print the application. Once complete drop it by our office for processing. Applicants will get a follow-up call from our Office confirming their application, screening, and acceptance information.

"We Care" Application

Car Seat Installation Program

Southport Police Department became a permanent Car Safety Passenger Seat Permanent Checking Station in 2011. The program is designed so that parents and caregivers can transport their families safely. Parents and caregivers are provided information that allows them to use their restraints correctly along with hands-on service to make sure child restraints are installed and used correctly.

Here are some links to resource sites that can provide useful information regarding child passenger seats.

Buckle Up NC | Safe Kids

Citizens with Special Needs

The Citizens with Special Needs form is to be used for Citizens who may need special attention during times of emergency. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals in wheelchairs, the hearing impaired, and those with cognitive disabilities.

Special Needs Application

House Check Program

The House Check program sends an officer to your home to verify all is in good standing while you are out of town.

House Check Application

The Southport Police Department issues the following permits:

Permits are only valid with a confirmation. Please allow a minimum of three working days for a permit to be processed.

Noise Ordinance Request

Parade & Facility Use Request

Funeral Motorcade Permit

Golf Cart Registration

If you currently have a City of Southport registered golf cart and need to renew/update your sticker, you may complete the Registration Form below and bring it to the City of Southport Utilities Department along with your payment of $25.00 cash or check to receive your new sticker. Mail in service is no longer available.

If you have a NEW golf cart, have never had yours inspected, or have made modifications since you last registered, call our office at 910-457-7911. Appointments will be scheduled Monday – Friday between the hours of 2 – 5 pm.

Southport Golf Cart Registration Form

Golf Cart Brochure

Southport Golf Cart Ordinance

Brunswick County Golf Cart Registration

NCDOT: Other Vehicle Types to Title & Register

Fireworks in Southport

Commercial firework displays are typically used for display for large public audiences. They are maintained and monitored by licensed pyro-technicians and the Fire Department during the setup and launching process. A permit from the city is required to possess and discharge such pyrotechnics.

Dangerous fireworks are explosives such as M-80’s, firecrackers, and even small firecrackers known as “Lady Fingers.” It is illegal to possess or discharge such fireworks anywhere in North Carolina.

Specifically prohibited fireworks are explosive or aerial fireworks, roman candles, and rockets, or similar devices.

Consumer fireworks are permitted in some North Carolina counties, unincorporated areas, and cities. In Southport, it is illegal to possess or discharge any fireworks even if they were legally purchased outside of the city. It is even illegal to possess those items on the beach under the same law.

Specifically permitted fireworks are sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, snake and glow worms, trick noisemakers, and toy pistol caps.

Additionally, the dangerous practice of shooting a gun into the air is illegal.

Please consider your fellow neighbors and remember these laws and warnings.

Noise Ordinance Form

Download the Noise Ordinance Request Form Here

The sign-up for 2023 has ended.

Have you had a recent interaction with a City of Southport Police Officer that you would like to thank them for? Please use the form below to do so!

Thank an Officer

In order to efficiently respond to requests and manage the employment of off-duty police officers, The Southport NC Police Department has partnered with Off Duty Management to provide services related to hiring off-duty officers effective July 17^th, 2023.

You may request to hire off-duty police officers through the Off Duty Management web-based service, OfficerTRAK®, or calling the toll-free number below.

Off Duty Management provides the following to the customer:

Online access to information through the OfficerTRAK® software including:
- Job-status
- Officer attendance
- Field notes and media files
- Post orders and instructions
- Past and future shift information
Full liability coverage for the customer, the agency, and the officer
24/7 customer service through their toll-free number
Dedicated point of contact for scheduling, invoicing, and payroll.

RATES
(3 hour minimum is required per request)

Regular: $40/hourly

Holiday*: $45/hourly

Vehicle: $21.50

HOLIDAY RATE*: The holiday rate will apply to the following days: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Easter, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Day After Christmas.

Cancellation Policy: Customer cancelling or reducing an assignment within 48 hours of the start of the assignment shall pay the greater of officer hours worked or the agency minimum hours plus ODM administrative fees for the first 24 hours of the original assignment.

YOU CAN REQUEST SERVICE BY VISITING THE OFFICERTRAK® WEBSITE LINK:

https://odm.officertrak.com/Southport-NC-PD

OR CALL OFF DUTY MANAGEMENT 24/7 TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-636-8300

Downloadable Off Duty Management Information

Welcome!

Southport is a very pet-friendly city, and we take pride in our reputation for strong animal welfare initiatives and community resources. In addition to household pets, Southport’s beautiful waterfront brings a diverse variety of wildlife to our city. My calls for service can be unique, and I strive to help any animal in need. My focus is to educate both residents and visitors on local animal ordinances to ensure their pets remain safe and are humanely treated. If you have any questions or concerns regarding animals, please contact me and I will do my best to assist you.

Code of Ordinances Prepare Your Pets for Disaster

Kate Marshall
Animal Protective Services
Office: (910) 457-7911
Cell: (910) 457-1486
Email

FAQ’s City of Southport Animal Welfare Ordinances

1. Are my pets required to have vaccinations?
YES. All dogs, cats, or ferrets over the age of four (4) months must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed Veterinarian or NC certified rabies vaccinator.

2. Are my pets required to be licensed in Southport?
YES. All dogs and cats within the city limits are required to be licensed annually. You can conveniently license your dog online at southport.docupet.com
Cost is: $15.00 altered $25.00 unaltered

3. Are dogs required to be on a leash?
YES. All dogs must always be under control using proper restraint. Voice commands do not count as under restraint. They are not allowed to run at-large on any street, sidewalk, beach area or park without a leash.

4. What local beaches allow dogs off-leash?
Southport beaches do not allow dogs off-leash at any time.
Oak Island beaches allow dogs off-leash between October 16 and March 15 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. where signage allows.

5. Can my dog ride in my golf cart?
YES. Dogs can ride in golf carts, however for the safety of your pet, it must be secured by a harness, leash or animal carrier to prevent it from falling, jumping or being thrown from the golf cart.

6. Can I tie my dog up outside all day?
NO. Tethering (tying) your dog outside can only be temporary in nature, and while you are home and within eyesight of your dog. You must provide water and protection from the elements while your dog is outside.

7. Can I leave my dog in the car while I shop, even if I crack open the windows?
NO. You should NEVER leave a dog alone in the car, even with the windows cracked. The inside of a vehicle parked in 70-degree weather can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. On very hot days, temperatures inside parked cars can climb to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in less than one hour. Cracking a window changes these figures very little.

8. I found a stray dog, what should I do?
Contact Southport Animal Protective Services at 910-477-1486 or Southport Police Department at 910-457-7911 to report a stray dog. We will respond and attempt to locate the owners.

9. Do I have to pick up my dog’s waste when I walk my dog?
YES. Anytime your dog defecates off your property it must be cleaned up immediately. Dog waste stations are located throughout the city for your convenience.

10. Are cats allowed to be outside in Southport?
YES. The City of Southport supports the Community Cat Program. A Community Cat is an outdoor cat that is abandoned, stray or feral and cared for by a community cat caregiver. This program also includes Trap/Neuter/Return, so these cats are spayed/neutered and vaccinated for Feline Distemper and Rabies. You may notice these cats have one ear “tipped” to identify them as being fixed.