Special to IFN
The Statesville Police Department has hired Stephanie Adkins as the city’s first police attorney.
Adkins brings a comprehensive legal background that will serve as an invaluable asset to SPD’s mission of excellence in law enforcement. She joins the department with extensive prosecutorial experience, having worked as an assistant district attorney in North Carolina and deputy county attorney in Maricopa County, Arizona, and previously served in the Tennessee’s District Attorney’s Office.
“Applying for and ultimately accepting the role as Police Attorney for SPD was an easy decision for me,” Adkins said. “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.”
Her hiring reflects 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.
“Stephanie’s expertise in criminal law and her dedication to public service make her a perfect fit for our department,” Chief Onley said. “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.