Banner Elk Police Department

08/01/2026

‼️ Banner Elk Police Department Drug Seizure
In the early morning hours of Thursday, at approximately 4:15 a.m., officers with the Banner Elk Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the Circle K parking lot.

During the investigation, K9 Que conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. Based on the K9 alert, officers established probable cause to search the vehicle.

As a result of the search, officers seized approximately 229 grams of suspected methamphetamine and one concealed fi***rm.
This case remains under investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

The Banner Elk Police Department remains committed to keeping illegal drugs and dangerous weapons out of our community and appreciates the continued support of our citizens.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law

04/13/2026

Our officers and K9 assisted Elk Park Police Department in a drug investigation and search warrant that led to multiple people being arrested.

ELK PARK — On March 20, 2026, the Elk Park Police Department, assisted by officers from the Newland Police Department, Banner Elk Police Department, Beech Mountain Police Department and the

04/04/2026

‼️SCAM ALERT ‼️
If you receive a text message like this delete it!

04/02/2026

Please keep your eyes open for this bird and contact the Wildlife Center if you see or come in contact with it. Thank you!

04/01/2026

Banner Elk Police Department’s K9 Que has received donation of body armor

Banner Elk Police Department, NC - K9 Que has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Que’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

01/26/2026

We remain under a State of Emergency. Please remain home if possible. With temperatures getting into the single digits tonight and very low temps this week. Please check on your neighbors and any one that you know is staying alone. Stay safe and warm.

❄️ Weather Update from Avery County 911 Communications ❄️
While temperatures remain cold, the precipitation associated with this storm is hopefully behind us. The worst part of the storm has passed.
Please continue to stay warm and take precautions during these cold temperatures. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, and limit travel if possible.
As always, Avery County 911 Communications is here for you 24/7. Stay safe and stay warm. 🧤🔥

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Banner Elk Police Department!

12/23/2025

12/19/2025

Meet Que, new K-9 Banner Elk Police Dept member. Her first day with Officer Logan was Woolly Worm Festival! K-9 Que is a highly trained police dog specializing in narcotic detection, article searches, and tracking missing persons. K-9 Que and her handler, Officer Logan Blair, recently completed an weeks of an intensive certification course through the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association.

Que will also play an important role in community engagement, visiting local schools and participating in public demonstrations.

“This addition strengthens our ability to keep the community safe,” said Chief Kevin Hodges. “K-9 Que will be an invaluable resource not only in criminal investigations but also in search and rescue operations and community outreach.”

K-9 Que, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever, will assist officers in a range of duties — from drug interdiction efforts to evidence recovery at crime scenes.

12/11/2025

Banner Elk Police Department’s K9 Que to get donation of body armor

Banner Elk Police Department, NC, K9 Que will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Que’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.