Statesville Police Department Welcomes First Police Attorney, Stephanie Adkins

Assistant District Attorney in North Carolina and a Deputy County Attorney in Maricopa County, Arizona, and previously served in Tennessee's District Attorney's Office.

Her addition is part of the SPD’s commitment to ensuring thorough, legally-sound practices and heightened accountability.

As the SPD’s first police attorney, Adkins will provide specialized legal counsel to Chief David Onley and police staff, addressing issues ranging from criminal law and investigative procedures to the sufficiency of evidence for court cases. She will be responsible for reviewing and developing department policies, ensuring they meet legal standards and accreditation requirements. Her duties also include providing in-service legal training for officers, advising on procedural matters, coordinating legal representation, and assisting in civil litigation and public nuisance cases. This role reinforces SPD's dedication to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement.

Chief David Onley shared his enthusiasm for Adkins’ appointment, stating, "Stephanie’s expertise in criminal law and her dedication to public service make her a perfect fit for our department. Her role will strengthen our legal framework and support our officers in making informed, responsible decisions. We’re excited to see the positive impact she’ll bring to the department and the community."

In addition to her role in direct legal advisement, Adkins will collaborate with the City Attorney, provide guidance on fair employment practices, and represent the city in civil rights litigation. Her responsibilities extend to coordinating training materials on new case law and legislative changes, developing resources for departmental staff, and providing on-call legal advice as needed. Adkins will also serve as a departmental representative on various boards and commissions, where her participation will further SPD’s leadership in law enforcement standards.

Reflecting on her new role, Adkins shared, "Applying for and ultimately accepting the role as Police Attorney for SPD was an easy decision for me. While I truly enjoyed the years I spent prosecuting criminal cases, this role presented a unique opportunity to continue to support law enforcement and my passion for public service, as well as expand my legal knowledge by working directly with officers and command staff on the front end. I am excited to work with SPD to build this position from the ground up and ensure it serves a positive and productive purpose for both the department and the community."

Adkins’ addition to the team represents a forward-thinking approach by SPD to ensure its policies and practices are thoroughly vetted, legally sound, and aligned with the highest standards. Her work will play a vital role in strengthening the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-focused law enforcement.

About the City of Statesville

The City of Statesville is truly a diverse community that welcomes new people, new voices and ideas, new industry, and business. We have already made significant investments in our downtown amenities, our business sector, our schools, our infrastructure, and more is on the horizon. We are creating a dynamic future for ourselves as we build on our successful history and the positive energy we experience today, all the while incorporating the values and quality of life that we cherish. To learn more visit www.statesvillenc.net.