LEXINGTON, N.C. — The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office is highlighting a specialized team focused on drug interdiction, criminal enforcement and traffic safety across the county.
The Traffic and Criminal Enforcement Team, known as TRACE, was established by Sheriff Richie Simmons in 2018. The unit conducts proactive enforcement aimed at disrupting drug trafficking and other criminal activity while improving safety on Davidson County roadways.
The TRACE Team conducts street-level drug enforcement and targets people suspected of transporting illegal drugs. Detectives also investigate criminal activity involving stolen vehicles and property crimes involving copper.
The team assists the sheriff’s office VICE/Narcotics Unit with drug investigations and the seizure of illegal drugs and assets connected to criminal activity.
A major part of the unit’s work involves criminal interdiction. Detectives use specialized training and enforcement strategies to identify vehicles and individuals suspected of transporting drugs, contraband, currency and other assets associated with criminal organizations.
TRACE also conducts traffic enforcement through the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. The statewide program, administered by the N.C. Department of Transportation, focuses on reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities through enforcement, grants and public awareness efforts.
Those efforts address impaired and distracted driving, speeding, seat belt use, motorcycle safety and the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.
Lt. J. Soles supervises the TRACE Team, which consists of five detectives. Soles also serves as Davidson County coordinator for the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
The sheriff’s office said the specialized unit is part of its broader effort to combat crime and improve roadway safety throughout Davidson County.
