Administration

Chief David Baucom is responsible for setting the direction and expectation of the Department. In addition, Chief Baucom establishes effective measures to address crime and disorder throughout the community, while working very closely with the public, elected officials, and town management. The Chief also stays current on local, state, and federal issues related to law enforcement and maintains relationships with outside law enforcement agencies.
The Chief exercises oversight over the Cornelius Communications Center, which provides dispatch services to the Town of Cornelius and Davidson College. Chief Baucom has been with the Department in various leadership roles since 1999. He is a graduate of the North Carolina Justice Academy’s Management Development Program. He also holds an Associate Degree from Central Piedmont Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Major Tony Sharpe acts in the absence of the Police Chief, supervises all Departmental operations and is responsible for many of the Department’s activities. Each fiscal year, the Police Chief, Major, Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and staff participate in the preparation of the Department’s annual budget through the submission of program budgets and providing justifications for line item expenditures. In addition to fiscal responsibilities, the Major handles personnel matters, conducts inspections, and performs special studies. Major Sharpe has been with the Department in various leadership roles since 2004. He is a graduate of the North Carolina Justice Academy’s Management Development Program. He also holds an Associate's Degree from Mitchell Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Liberty University.