Only call or text 911 for emergencies where immediate police, fire, or medical assistance is needed. This may include serious medical emergencies such as chest pain or seizures, any type of fire, in-progress crimes, or any other life-threatening situation such as a traffic accident with injuries.

For nonemergency situations such as frauds, loud music, or parking complaints call (919) 469-4012.

Call or e-mail Town of Cary 311 for non-police related services like missed trash collection, public utility issues, or questions about nonemergency Town services.

Text to 911

Depending on your carrier, most cellular customers within the Town's Emergency Communications service area can send a short message service (SMS) text to the 911 Center. Text messages must be free of images and video, and should only be sent when someone is unable to make a voice call due to a medical emergency, in situations when voice communication is not safe, or if the sender is hearing impaired.

To send a message, open a new text message and enter “911” in the recipient line. In the message space, be sure to include your location and the nature of the emergency. While texting may be convenient, there can be delayed communication, so it’s best to call 911 when you can and only text when you cannot. Non-emergencies should continue to be reported to (919) 469-4012. Text messages unsuccessfully received by the 911 Center will result in an automated response.

What should I do if I call 911 by mistake?

If you call 911 by mistake, DO NOT HANG UP. Stay on the line and explain that you do not have an emergency. If a caller hangs up without stating the problem, our dispatchers must call back to ensure that no actual emergency exists. If a dispatcher is not able to re-establish contact, an officer may be sent to your home or place of business in order to ensure an emergency does not exist.

How to File a Commendation or Complaint 

If received exemplary service from a Police Department employee and wish to praise or commend them, please call, write or visit:

Cary Police Department
120 Wilkinson Ave
PO Box 8005
Cary, NC 27512-8005
(919) 469-4016
Available 24 hours a day

If you feel you have been treated improperly by a Police Department employee, or if you have a significant concern regarding the actions of a Police Department employee, please call, write or visit:

Cary Police Department
120 Wilkinson Ave.
PO Box 8005
Cary, NC 27512-8005
(919) 469-4016
Available 24 hours a day

2023 Complaint Summary

Total Complaints - 40

Allegations Sustained - 23
Allegations Not Sustained - 0
Allegations Unfounded -13

2022 Complaint Summary

Total Complaints -14

Allegations Sustained - 3
Allegations Not Sustained - 11
Allegations Pending - 0

2021 Complaint Summary

Total Complaints -30

Allegations Sustained -6
Allegations Not Sustained -0
Allegations Pending - 2

2020 Complaint Summary

Total Complaints -20

Allegations Sustained -9
Allegations Not Sustained -11
Allegations Pending - 0

Firearms within Cary

We support each person’s right to lawfully own and carry firearms, and we take very seriously our charge to keep our citizens safe.

Here are some firearms facts for our community:

• In North Carolina, “open carry of a firearm” is defined as the act of carrying a firearm in plain view on public property. “Concealed carry of a firearm” is defined as concealed weapons -- especially handguns --which are kept hidden on your person or under your control. Carrying a concealed firearm requires a special permit from the Sheriff’s Department of the county you live in, which for Cary residents is either Wake County or Chatham County depending on your address. For more on a concealed carry permit, see North Carolina General Statues (NCGS) 14-415.11.
• North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 14-277.2 does not allow the open carry of a firearm at certain events such as public parades, funeral processions, picket lines or demonstrations.
• The Town of Cary does not allow a concealed handgun in Town-owned buildings, on the appurtenant premises of those buildings, or in Town recreation facilities, including all Town athletic fields and athletic facilities. Citizens with a valid concealed handgun permit may secure their firearm within an enclosed compartment of a locked motor vehicle. We encourage citizens to keep firearms and other valuables secured and out of sight. Additional information can be found in NCGS 14-415.23 and Cary Town Ordinance Section 22-51.
• Per NCGS 14-415.11, a business or property owner may restrict citizens from carrying weapons on that property by posting the premises with a statement that carrying a weapon, concealed or in the open, is prohibited.
• Town of Cary Police Officers carry their badge and identification card at all times when armed with a firearm. If the firearm is being carried in the open, the officer must have their badge conspicuously displayed. These rules apply when the officer is on duty in plain clothes or in uniform, unless the officer is working “undercover.”
• Cary Town Ordinance 22-52 prohibits the discharging firearms or other guns within the corporate limits of Cary. This includes air guns, paintball guns, BB guns or pistols, or any spring gun, pistol, or other similar device that impels with force any projectile, shot or pellet of any kind. 

Handgun Permits

The Wake County Sheriff's Office issues permits to purchase a handgun and to carry a concealed handgun to citizens who reside in Wake County. Our Western Cary residents who reside in Chatham County should visit the Chatham County Sheriff's Office to obtain their handgun or CCW permit.  

Resources

Please visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website for tips on gun safety and additional laws regarding gun ownership in North Carolina.

Gift Cards

If you receive a phone call from a reported government official demanding payment for ANYTHING in the form of cryptocurrency, gift cards or ITunes Cards, IT IS A SCAM. Hang up and do not send the caller any personal payment information. 

Income Tax Fraud

If you believe you are the victim of Income Tax Fraud or Identity Theft involving your taxes, local law enforcement agencies will only take a report when there is an identified suspect that resides within the local jurisdiction. For all other circumstances please complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit and follow the submission instructions on the form.

You should also report the Identity Theft and Fraud directly to the North Carolina Department of Revenue and follow the instructions on their webpage.

Relative in Trouble

If you receive a phone call from a relative or friend from an unrecognized phone number, saying they have been arrested and need money wired to them in a voice that doesn't sound quite right, it may be a scam. Before sending any type of payment or providing any financial information over the phone, first attempt to call them at the phone number you have listed for them. If it truly is your relative or friend, they should not mind you attempting to verify their identity.

Unsolicited Request for Personal or Financial Information

If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be with your bank or credit card company and they ask you to confirm personal identifying information such as your date of birth, social security number or account numbers it may be a scam. Advise the caller that you will call them back on the Customer Service phone number listed on the back of your credit/debit card. If they are insistent that you stay on the line or may be subject to some type of penalty, it is likely a scam. 

Warrant for Arrest Scam

If you receive a phone call from a reported government official advising you have a warrant for your arrest that you must settle over the phone by wiring money or paying with a gift card, IT IS A SCAM. You may confirm if a warrant exists by calling your local law enforcement agency by the phone number listed on their webpage. 

Additional Resources

North Carolina Consumer Protection

North Carolina Department of Justice

Gangs & Graffiti

According to the N.C. Governor’s Crime Commission, the most common gang-related crime statewide is vandalism. Gang graffiti is used to promote the gang my marking their territory, and can be used to communicate between gangs. Tagging, while still vandalism, is different from gang graffiti as it is usually more artistic and meant to promote the tagger's skills. Regardless of the type, when it comes to graffiti remember the "3 R's":

RECORD

Take photos of the vandalized area for evidence and insurance purposes, and document when it occurred. 

REPORT

If you are witnessing graffiti in progress, take a photo/video and call 911.

If you are a citizen and see graffiti on public or private property, report it to 311.

If you are a property owner and find graffiti on your property, you may file an online report though our Police 2 Citizen (P2C) webpage.

REMOVE

When reported, the Town of Cary Police and Public Works Departments have developed a systematic approach to ensuring the effective and timely removal of graffiti. If the graffiti is located on public property, the Police Department will coordinate with the Public Works Department for removal of the graffiti. Arrangements to remove graffiti located on private property must be made by the property owner. The Town of Cary Police Department can assist property owners with recommendations for best methods of removal. If graffiti is not removed in a timely manner, the Town may remove the graffiti at the expense of the property owner.

Noise Complaints 

Information regarding barking dogs and commercial, construction and residential noise can be found in Chapter 22 of the Town of Cary Ordinances, specifically Sections 22-102 through 22-111.

Solicitors & Solicitor Permit Applications

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell, offer for sale, or solicit orders for goods, wares, merchandise, food, periodicals or services by going from door-to-door within the Town without having first secured a peddler/solicitor's permit from the Town, unless it is done with the prior request or invitation of the residents or occupants of the premises visited.

Citizens and vendors wanting to solicit within the Town of Cary should complete a TOC Solicitor Permit Application and follow the submission instructions on the bottom of the application.

Additional information regarding soliciting within the Town of Cary can be found in Section 20-3 of the Town Code.

How can I get information regarding my case?

If have questions about your case or wish to provide additional information, your first step is to speak with the officer that took the initial report. Patrol officers usually investigate their own cases, but if a case is complex or requires additional Department resources it may be assigned to a detective in our Criminal Investigations Division. If you are not sure who is assigned to your case, you can contact our Communications Center at (919) 469-4012 and ask for the Detective Sergeant. 

What happens with my case after it is assigned to a detective?

A detective will contact the victim within 72 hours of being assigned the case. The detective will review the initial officer's report and ask follow-up questions as needed. The investigation continues until the case is solved or all leads have been exhausted. This can range from a few days to many years.

How does someone become a detective at the Cary Police Department?

A Patrol Officer typically serves as a “Field Investigator” before being considered for the Criminal Investigations Division. Field Investigators handle cases that do not require a detective, but need more time than Patrol Officers typically can devote. Field Investigators also assist in major crimes that occur on their shift until a detective arrives on the scene.

911 Audio Request

Police Report Request

View or File a Report Online 

For any other media requests please contact our Public Information Officer, Sergeant Kenric Alexander at (919) 462-3908. For breaking news information on police and fire related incidents contact our Media Line at 919-380-4240.

In 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched the Ready Campaign, a National public service initiative to educate and prepare citizens for natural and human-caused disasters. 

Ready.gov and its app provide the community with information and preparedness guides on topics ranging from drought and hurricanes, to active shooters and bioterrorism attacks. It also serves as a launch pad to other Federal websites such as The White House, DHS and FEMA.

Crime Statistics 

Crime data is available online using the Town of Cary's Maps Online tool.

If you have any additional questions about crime in Cary or within a specific neighborhood, please contact Record Supervisor Dan Lemley at (919) 462-3813. 

File a Report Online

Citizens may file certain types of reports online by using our Police 2 Citizen (P2C) Website. Types of reports that may be filed online include Lost Property, misdemeanor larcenies where there is no suspect information available and misdemeanor vandalism with no suspect information.

Fingerprinting

Civilian fingerprinting for the purpose of employment is conducted by the City-County Bureau of Identification (CCBI) in Raleigh. Please visit their website for the most up-to-date information regarding hours of operation and fees.

Request a Report

Please go to our Records page to find out how you can request a copy of an accident or incident report.

Car Accidents

If you are involved in a minor accident where there are no visible signs of injury to persons involved and the vehicles are drivable, move your vehicle to safety out of the traveled portion of the roadway. Then call 911 and exchange driver information. DO NOT leave the scene until you have spoken to the police officer.

Child Passenger Safety Seats

We anticipate resuming in-person appointments for assistance in selecting, installing and using child safety seats in July. We will continue to offer the option of a  virtual appointment. If you would to schedule a virtual appointment using Zoom or FaceTime please click here. 

For useful information on child card seats, please visit Safe Kids Worldwide.

Traffic Complaints

Please call or email Town of Cary 311 to report non-emergency traffic complaints within Town limits.