North Carolina Police Benevolent Association discusses “urgent issues” about WPD with mayor and city council member

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and City Councilman Luke Waddell spent more than 90 minutes with leaders of a police advocacy group on Oct. 31, discussing “pressing issues” related to the Wilmington Police Department, according to a document obtained by WECT News on Thursday.

Brannon Gray, the president of the Southeastern Chapter of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association, sent a letter to chapter members this week providing insight into the meeting, which the letter called a “critical step forward” for WPD.

“This meeting was not only productive, but transformative in shaping our path forward,” the letter reads.

Association members requested the meeting, Waddell said. Gray, NCPBA director John Midgette and association representative Steve Anthony were present, according to the letter. Topics covered included staffing shortages, salary disparities and “staffing challenges” that the letter says impact WPD members on a daily basis.

The department’s promotion process was also discussed. According to the letter, Saffo “listened attentively” to the concerns, especially when he spoke about the “fairness and transparency” of how promotions work. Saffo did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Another important part of the meeting, the letter said, was the recently completed city-funded meeting American ISS report. That research, as reported by WECT substantiated complaints of a hostile work environment against WPD leadership last week, following a written complaint filed earlier this year by retired Capt. Mike Fanta.

NCPBA is “relentless” in its efforts to obtain the report, the letter said, and believes it contains “vital insights that directly impact the integrity and well-being” of WPD and city residents. WECT’s request for a copy of the report was denied.

“This is a fight for accountability, fairness and respect – principles that we will defend with unwavering strength,” the letter reads. “Stand strong, stay determined and know that our mission has only just begun.”

The southeastern chapter has more than 1,100 members, made up of sworn and retired law enforcement personnel in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties, Gray said. That includes about 200 members who work for Wilmington PD.

The NCPBA declined to comment further Thursday, saying only that the association is actively communicating with Saffo’s office about the concerns they raised.

Waddell declined to speak on camera Thursday, but made the following statement via text message:

“I firmly believe that it is the responsibility of the City Council to maintain the highest standards of accountability for those who hold leadership positions within the city government. Recently, at the request of members of the Police Benevolent Association, a meeting was held where a range of concerns were raised regarding the Wilmington Police Department, including compensation, benefits, promotion structure and leadership within the department. Effective leadership is rooted in transparency, accountability and responsiveness to the needs and concerns of our community. When issues are brought to our attention – especially those affecting the well-being and morale of our public safety personnel – it is essential that we address them openly and thoroughly, within the limits of what is permitted by law.

Citizens have the right to trust that their leaders will both listen and take meaningful action on public safety. Transparency in this process not only promotes trust, but also strengthens the integrity of our institutions. I remain committed to our first responders and all members of the organization who strive every day to make our city a safer, better place, ensure their voices are heard, and work toward constructive solutions that improve safety and strengthen the trust of our entire community. .”

WECT is still working on obtaining the findings of the American ISS study and the city government’s exact response to it.