The Kitty Hawk Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency employing eighteen sworn employees and two non-sworn employees. All members of the department strive to provide the highest quality of service to the residents and visitors of the community.
The Town of Kitty Hawk has approximately 3,713 year-round residents. That number increases to around 25,000 during the summer months with the influx of visitors and vacationers.
Contact the Kitty Hawk Police Department
Whether you are visiting our area or are a full-time resident, and find yourself in need of assistance, please feel free to contact us. Our administrative office hours are from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except for major holidays.
Non-Emergency Numbers
Our non-emergency line can be reached at (252) 261-3895.
In the event you need to speak with an officer and the administrative office is closed, you can reach an officer by calling Dare Central Communications at (252) 473-3444.
In the event of an emergency, dial 911.
Kitty Hawk Police Department History
The Kitty Hawk Police Department was formed in 1983, after the incorporation of the Town of Kitty Hawk in 1981. The Department began with two Police Officers, Frankie Hemilright and Eugene McLawhorn.
The Department showed little growth until 1986 when Robert K. Morris became Chief of Police. Today the department is led by Chief Michael E. Palkovics, the department’s fifth Chief of Police.
A Brief History & Time Line
- 1983 Department is formed.
- 1986 Robert K. Morris becomes Chief of Police later retiring in 2004.
- 1997 The Police Department moves to its current location.
- 1998 Officers start using laptops in their patrol vehicles.
- 1999 In-car cameras are installed in patrol vehicles.
- 2004 David R. Ward is promoted to Chief of Police until his retirement in 2012.
- 2013 Joel C. Johnson is promoted to Chief of Police until his retirement in 2023.
- 2023 Michael E. Palkovics is hired as the new Chief of Police for the Town of Kitty Hawk.
A Message From the Police Chief
Greetings,
On behalf of the men and women of the Kitty Hawk Police Department, I want to extend you a warm welcome to our Town. Our mission is simple: to serve and protect. We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone in our community through collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.
We believe that strong partnerships with residents, businesses, and local organizations are key to creating a safer, thriving community. Whether you’re looking for information on public safety programs, crime prevention tips, or ways to get involved, this site is designed to keep you informed and connected with us.
As your Chief of Police, I am proud to work alongside an incredibly dedicated team of officers and civilian staff who are here to support you. Your concerns, feedback, and partnership are always valued, and together, we can continue to make our community a place we are all proud to call home, for the year or a week at a time.
I encourage you to follow us on Facebook and get involved in helping us make Kitty Hawk the premiere community in the Outer Banks.
Thank you for visiting our website, and for your continued trust and support.
Stay safe,
Mike Palkovics
Chief of Police
Kitty Hawk Police Department
Organizational Chart
Below you will find the organizational breakdown of the Town of Kitty Hawk Police Department. You can also view and download the Town of Kitty Hawk Police Department Organizational Chart.
Patrol Division
The Kitty Hawk Police Department Patrol Division is the “Backbone of the Department.” Commanded by the Administrative Lieutenant, officers assigned to the Patrol Division are responsible for responding to calls for service and providing preventive patrol throughout the town.
Calls for service are dispatched by the Dare County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center. The Patrol Division has cutting-edge equipment and training to assist with anything that may arise during an emergency event.
Criminal Investigations Division
The Criminal Investigations Division, led by a Sergeant, is tasked with investigating serious crimes that go beyond normal law enforcement duties. While patrol officers respond to immediate calls for service, CID detectives take over when a crime scene requires more extensive investigative work or when a case evolves into something that needs long-term attention.
This can include anything from gathering evidence at crime scenes to conducting interviews with suspects, victims, and witnesses.
If you see suspicious activity, report it.
If you would like to report a crime, suspicious activity, or information related to an investigation, you can email the Criminal Investigations Division at: investigations@kittyhawknc.gov
Records Division
The Records Division is a support function within the department. It maintains, disseminates, and purges official reports, records, data, statistics, and related information; maintains and performs quality control functions on the Department’s record keeping systems; maintains compliance with the Department and Town’s Record Retention Schedule.
The Division plays a key role in upholding the integrity of the Department’s operations and fostering trust within the community.
Responsibilities of the Records Division
- Records Management
- Public Records Requests
- Crime Report Analysis
- Records Retention
- Compiling Crime Data and Reporting
- Providing Support to Officers
- Ensuring Compliance with Legal Standards
The Division plays a key role in upholding the integrity of the department’s operations and fostering trust within the community.
How to Request a Crash or Incident Report
The Kitty Hawk Police Department does not provide Traffic Crash Reports directly to the public. To obtain a copy of a Crash Report, please submit your request through the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
For detailed instructions and assistance, please visit the DMV website.
To request a copy of an incident report, please contact the Kitty Hawk Police Department’s Records Division by calling (252) 261-3895 or emailing Records@kittyhawknc.gov.
We are happy to assist with your request.