Robert D. Bowlin, Chief of Police
After graduating from Basic Law Enforcement Training at Gaston Community College, Chief Robert D. Bowlin started his career with the Wilkesboro Police Department on October 18, 1984 as a Police Officer in the patrol division. In 1988 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and began supervising a patrol shift. In 1990 he was assigned to the criminal investigations division where he performed advanced investigations on reported crimes. In 1991 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and returned to the patrol division as the department's police applicant background investigator. He attended Advanced Crash Investigation and became a specialized Criminal Justice driving instructor during this time. In 1995 he was promoted to the rank of Captain and became the commander of the patrol division. On August 14, 2006 he was appointed to the position of Chief of Police. Chief Bowlin is a member of the North Carolina Chiefs of Police Association, North Carolina Police Executive's Association, and a member of the Wilkes County Law Enforcement Officers Association. he is involved with civic and humanitarian groups around the area. Chief Bowlin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Gardner-Webb University. He is proud to live in the Town of Wilkesboro.
Steven L. Dowell, Deputy Chief of Police
Deputy Chief of Police Steven L. Dowell is a native of Ashe County but has lived in
Wilkes County since 1976. After graduating from East Wilkes High School he
obtained an AAS degree in Criminal Justice from Wilkes Community College and
then completed Basic Law Enforcement training and was hired by the Town of
Wilkesboro in August of 1984. He has held ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and
Captain. He was most recently promoted to Deputy Chief of Police with a rank of
Major in 2007 where he currently serves as assistant to Chief Bowlin. His
accomplishments include obtaining the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate in
1995 and he was one of the first Child Passenger Safety Technicians in the area
helping to establish the Wilkesboro Police Department as a recognized Permanent
Checking Station. He currently serves as Chairman of Wilkes County Safe Kids
and participates in other community organizations. He holds
a dual-certification with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office and is a member of
the Mountain View Volunteer Fire Department. He has two children, one of which
is in college and the other is in high school.
To Contact Chief Bowlin Click Here
To Contact Deputy Chief Dowell Click Here
A message from the Deputy Chief of Police
Hello and welcome to administrative operations of the Wilkesboro Police Department. Administration encompasses every function of the day to day operation of the department. Let us take a few minutes to look inside my day. To begin with, I support the Chief of Police in the areas of planning, budgeting, internal affairs and professional standards. I maintain a fleet of 25 patrol and specialty vehicles. When I am not working on fleet issues, you can usually find me scheduling upcoming training for every team member of the department. I will visit the records and logistics section once a day to ensure data is managed in accordance with state and federal laws. As time permits I will receive updates from the department's IT administrator as to the efficiency and effectiveness of all computer operations. The quartermaster always needs new shirts and pants to issue to our police officers so he will usually visit my office at least once a week. Finally, I will receive updates from my two division commanders, Captains Garris and Rhodes on the day to day operations of their respective divisions. With all of these responsibilities I am never too busy to meet a citizen. As a matter of fact no team member will ever be too busy to offer some time to the ones we serve. Please stop in and see us. Let one of our state certified installers help you install your child safety seat. We are here 24/7 for you. Please call upon us at anytime. Thank you for visiting Inside Wilkesboro PD.