VOICES OF DAVIDSON

​

Detective Vernon Siders Jr. is the Community Affairs Officer for the Davidson Police Department and conducts public speaking engagements to include: Suicide Prevention (QPR), Human Trafficking, Neighborhood Watch Initiatives, and Mentoring and Juvenile Diversion of our youth. He has been with the Davidson Police Dept for nearly 12 years.

Siders Jr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1997 – 2008, with two combat tours of duty to Iraq and has numerous medals and awards for his service. He also is a retired member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and was actively involved with the public safety response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in New York City. He is an active member of the USSS Electronic Crimes Taskforce in Charlotte and North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.

Detective Siders Jr. has a master’s degree in Communications and continues to obtain education as a professional.  He is an ordained deacon and former youth minister with the Central Islip Church of Christ and pursues his hobbies with DJing Entertainment. Detective Siders Jr. and his son, Dionte, currently reside in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Tell me about your day job.

My days consist of conducting active investigations for property crimes, computer related crimes, and fraud, as well as assembling a plan for community engagement.

How did you uncover this passion?

I wanted to become an officer so that I could provide hope to those without and make a difference in the community. I believe that I can change the national narrative concerning police and the public by actively becoming involved with people.

What inspires you every day?

I’m inspired daily by making contact with the people in Davidson. I love the smiles and being able to speak with and listen to the people.

What are your challenges and speed bumps along the way?

Some of the challenges I have faced throughout my career are dealing with people that are not satisfied with police service, no matter what solutions you may find for their problems; racism that may or may not be within the department and the community; the gap between our youth and law enforcement; and insufficient pay and salaries.

Secrets to staying motivated and positive?

My secret is to constantly expand my tradecraft through continuing education and training, to go out and put a smile on someone’s face, to embrace my daily prayers and devotions, and to set the very best example for my 11-year old son.

How can Davidson residents best support you?

Davidson residents are very friendly, courteous, and respectful to me. That is supportive enough. Instead, I would ask them, how can the Davidson Police best support them?