home > departments > police > compliment / complaint section
  

COMPLIMENT/COMPLAINT SECTION

 

The Wilkesboro Police Department aggressively investigates all allegations of misconduct lodged against officers and other employees of the agency. The purpose of these investigations is to determine and examine all facts and circumstances relevant to the incident in question. Should such allegations be sustained as a result of the investigation, appropriate actions will be taken to prevent a future occurrence of the conduct.

Please complete a form below with as much detail as possible.  You may be contacted by a department representative to gather further information for a complete investigation. 

We are a professional law enforcement agency.  We require all our employees to act in a professional manner in order to promote a positive public image and serve the community in adherence with the highest ethical and professional standards. 

Your complaint will be reviewed, and feedback on the complaint will be offered.

   

Forms

• Compliment an Officer or Employee

• Citizen Complaint on Officer or Employee 

 

    
home > departments > police > citizen police acedemy
  

CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY

Citizen Police Academy Application  

Our Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) is an eight-week program designed to provide Wilkesboro residents and business owners first-hand information about how their Police Department works. One session of our Citizens’ Police Academy is offered each year in the Spring. Academy sessions are held on Tuesday Evenings from 6 pm to 9 pm.

What subjects are included?

Sessions begin with a presentation of the Wilkesboro Police Department’s philosophy regarding community-oriented policing. Subsequent sessions include the following topic areas:

• Agency Mission and Structure

• Property & Evidence

• Patrol Procedures

• K-9

• Accreditation

• Special Investigations (vice and narcotics)

• Crime Scene Investigations

• Criminal Investigations and Cold Cases

• Special Response Team

• Collision Investigation and Reconstruction

• Mock scenes and demonstrations will be conducted during the academy to give students an opportunity to participate in the process used.

Participants over the age of 18 can also participate in a police officer ride-along program where they spend a shift riding with an officer on patrol. To inquire about a ride along.

Throughout this academy, participants are encouraged to ask questions and discuss topics with Department Personnel.

What is the purpose of the Academy? 

The Academy is designed to increase understanding between citizens and police officers through education. Our intent is to acquaint citizens with law enforcement's role in the criminal justice system and provide an understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work. With better understanding, it becomes easier for police and citizens to find realistic solutions to neighborhood problems.

Who teaches the Academy Sessions? 

The instructors are officers and personnel from the Department who teach in their own areas of expertise. Each has years of training and experience in the subject. The officers also bring street experience into the classroom.

How are participants selected? 

The Citizen Police Academy is open to adults and young people ages 18 years of age and up. You must reside in Wilkes County and a preference will be given to those who reside or work inside the town limits of Wilkesboro first when filling slots.

How to apply... 

Please complete and submit the application below for consideration. You will be notified if you are selected for the next session. There is no fee for the Academy. 

Contact Captain Christopher Arnder with questions regarding the academy or the application process. They can be reached at (336) 667-7277 or by email at carnder@wilkesboropd.com.

   

  

    

home > departments > police > department overview 

 WILKESBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT   

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the men and women of the Wilkesboro Police Department is to strive for the impartial enforcement of state and local laws to foster the peaceful environment of our citizens.  We will establish community partnerships by providing proactive police services aimed at crime reduction and the protection of life and property.  By ethical interactions with those we serve, we will garner the mutual respect that provides the cornerstone of trust our citizens deserve.     

The Wilkesboro Police Department consists of 22 full-time officers, 3 reserve officers, and 2 full-time telecommunicators/administrative assistants and 3 reserve telecommunicators.  There are 2 Divisions within the department, namely the Patrol Division and the Support Services Division.  It is our goal to maintain contemporary and progressive levels of training and equipment to better serve our citizens.  

 

PATROL DIVISION

The Patrol Division has 5 patrol teams to provide continuous, around-the-clock police services. In 2021, we answered 10,457 calls for service and made 307 arrests. We have a Crash Reconstruction Team that is specially trained for in-depth investigations of the most serious traffic crashes.  We are the Wilkes County Coordinator for the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program, and all patrol officers receive high levels of training in patrol functions.  Our agency utilizes a Bicycle Patrol function, which allows our officers an alternative way to patrol areas such as Main Street, the Greenway, and the town’s parks. Captain Chris Handy supervises the Patrol Division.   

 

SUPPORT SERVICES

The Support Services Division is responsible for investigating reported general crimes and controlled substance violations.  Many other functions are carried out as well, namely evidence control, equipment management, our Crime Stoppers role, and crime prevention programs. Our agency has a Special Response Team (S.R.T.), this team is trained in various high-risk law enforcement functions, and they provide 24/7/365 coverage to respond to disasters or situations when extra manpower is needed quickly.  We are fortunate to be able to provide our citizens with protection levels of the caliber that the SRT provides through constant training with modern technology and equipment. Our Records Clerk and Telecommunicators perform essential functions and are also part of Support Services. Captain Chris Ardner supervises the Support Services Division.    

  

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY

Several times a year, members of the agency prepare meals for people within the community. Officers normally feed approximately sixty people. Our agency uses this outreach as a way of developing better community and police relations. This event is in conjunction with His Light Ministries.

  

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHEER 

Each year members of the Wilkesboro Police Department and Town Officials get together and build boxes of food to deliver. This event occurs the week before Christmas each year.

 

 

SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF NC 

We are excited to support Special Olympics North Carolina each year with various fundraising activities that include our Torch Run and Golf Tournament at Oakwoods Country Club in June. To donate or purchase Special Olympics shirts and hats, contact Investigator Bradley Dancy. 

  

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Participation in National Night Out (NNO) Events are designed to:

Heighten crime & drug awareness  

Generate support for local anti-crime programs

Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police with community partnerships 

Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized & fighting back.