Command Staff
Chief Bates
On December 1, 2019, Chief T.J. Bates began his service with the Long View Police Department. Chief Bates has over 27 years of local government law enforcement experience, beginning his law enforcement career in 1996. Chief Bates has served in multiple roles over the course of his career including Assistant Chief of Police at Granite Falls Police Department and Chief of Police at the Biltmore Forest Police Department. Chief Bates is the 39th Chief of Police in the History of Long View Police Department.
Chief Bates received his Master of Justice Administration Degree from Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC and his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree from Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. Chief Bates is also a graduate of the West Point Leadership Program.
Chief Bates is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, and the North Carolina Police Executives Association.
Major Reid
Major Justin Reid began his Law Enforcement career in February 2010 at the Lenoir Police Department. He served in numerous positions at Lenoir Police Department including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Police Canine Handler, Special Response Team Member, and Patrol Corporal. Major Reid joined the Long View Police Department in November of 2020 and was assigned to the position of Patrol Officer/Canine Handler. Major Reid was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2021. In 2021, Major Reid took over as the Training Coordinator for Long View Police Department. On June 20th, 2022, Reid was promoted to the position of Major/Deputy Chief after a promotional process. During his career, Major Reid has accumulated nearly 3,000 hours of training. Major Reid has been awarded an Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate by the North Carolina Training and Standards Commission. Major Reid has completed the Leadership Institute held at the North Carolina Justice Academy. Major Reid is a Certified General Instructor, an AR15 Armorer, and an Advanced Glock Armorer.
Major Reid received his Associate of Science in Biology from Caldwell Community College.
Major Reid is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.
Ford
Captain Michael Ford began his career as a reserve Public Safety Officer with the Long View Public Safety in September 1994. In this position, he was a Reserve Police Officer and a volunteer fireman. He went full time as a Public Safety Officer in July of 1996. He has served in numerous positions with the department, to include, Public Safety Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, Patrol Officer, Criminal Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant in the Investigations Division. He is currently a Captain in the Patrol division. Captain Ford has his Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and his Criminal Investigations Certificate from the North Carolina Justice Academy. When away from work, Ford values spending time with his family.
Hardin
Lieutenant Dennis Hardin is a graduate of Western Piedmont Community College where he completed Basic Law Enforcement Training in 2009. Lieutenant Hardin started his career in law enforcement at the Long View Police Department in August 2010. He has served as a Patrol Officer, Animal Control Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant. In March of 2021, Lieutenant Hardin was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division.
Gibson
Lieutenant John Gibson began his Law Enforcement career in February 2010 at the Lenoir Police Department. He served in numerous positions, including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, and a Patrol Sergeant. Lieutenant Gibson joined the Long View Police Department in September of 2020 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. During his career, Lieutenant Gibson has accumulated over 2,000 hours of training in areas such as School Resource Officer, D.A.R.E. Officer Training, RADAR, LIDAR, numerous Leadership courses, Field Training Officer, and First Line Supervision. He has been awarded a School Resource Officer Professional Certificate, Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate, and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. Lieutenant Gibson is a Certified General Instructor and an Advance Glock Armor.
Police Department: (828) 327-2343 | Fax: (828) 578-6703
Address: 2404 1st Ave SW | Hickory, NC 28602
Animal Control: (828) 327-2343
