Newly formed Bessemer City Police Department goes on duty

BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — The Bessemer City Police Department officially took over patrols from Gaston County police Sunday night.

Gaston County police patrolled the city for the past 14 years, but the city decided to start its own police department when leaders realized it would save residents money. Bessemer City's contract with Gaston police expired Sunday.

Extending the contract would have increased next year's city bill by more than $200,000. By 2018, it would have cost residents an extra $500,000.

To avoid a tax hike for residents, Bessemer City leaders said they found a way to run their own police department for less than what the county was charging. Some leaders said it's a big responsibility for such a small town, but Mayor Becky Smith said it's best for the residents.

"The big thing is the citizens of Bessemer City are very proud to have their own police department once again," Smith said.

Resident and City Council member Howard Jones said he's more than pleased by the change.

"Our officers will be right here in town. They'll be able to respond faster, and they'll do a better job," Jones said.

Bessemer City Police Chief Tom Ellis said his officers will not only be working around the clock to keep residents safe, but they'll also be involved in the community.

The entire police force is a unit of 10, including the police chief. It has five full-time officers and four part-time officers.

Some officers transferred from other departments and a couple just graduated from basic training.

"We have three officers from Gaston and two officers from the Shelby Police Department," Ellis said.

The chief said building a force from the ground up will take time, but he said thankfully there isn't much crime in Bessemer City.

When residents need help, Ellis said an officer will be there.

"We'll have two officers working 24 hours a day, and so the citizens will be protected seven days a week, 24 hours a day," he said.

Bessemer City's first and only female police officer was sworn in at about 7 a.m. Monday. Officer Melissa Reding has been a police officer for five years.

Reding is a mother of two and said she's well aware of the dangers the job presents, but she's doing what she loves to do.

"I feel like this is what God put me on earth to do, so helping people is the best thing," she said.

Eyewitness News shadowed officers on Monday on their first crime call. It was for alleged prescription fraud at the pharmacy right next door.

The police chief couldn't give many details of the case but said it is under investigation. So far no arrests have been made.

WSOC