Crime Prevention (updated 4/14/08)

If you ever see a crime in progress or suspicious activity, call 911.  For everything else, call the Police Department's non-emergency line @ 343-3600.

Is a street light out on your street?  Good lighting is a key crime deterrent!  Fill out an easy form to report a burnt out street light to Progress Energy.

Check out (and check off) the National Crime Prevention Council's Home Security Checklist.  Also take a look at the National Neighborhood Watch Program's Preventing Burglaries - How to Protect Your Home.

911 or the Police Department.  Who do you call?

by Paul Lawler

Should you call 911 or the Police in an emergency?  911 is better.  Here’s why.

If you call the WPD (Wilmington Police) you will have up to two operators standing by.

If you call 911 you will have up to 14 Operators standing by.

 

If you call the WPD the operator has to copy down all of your information and then relay it to dispatch.

If you call 911 the system automatically populates the computer and the information can be sent to dispatch during the call.

 

If you call the WPD you will often have cadets answering the phone as part of their training.

If you call 911 you will have a trained person with computer prompts to ask all relevant questions.

 

If you call WPD the information may get into a database used for allocating additional police assignments.

If you call 911 the information is automatically put into the system for allocating additional police to challenged areas.

Other useful links:

• Wilmington Police Department

• National Crime Prevention Council

National Sheriff's Association

ROW Members: Send email to join ROW Email list or send suggestions, photos, docs, comments.

[ | Member Businesses | History ]