Wilmington Police adds new Officer Friendly to the team

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department has added a new member to their staff.

You’ll now see this nine-foot blow up female police officer around the community alongside the other Officer Friendly.

Spokeswoman Linda Rawley says Officer Friendly has been a part of the department for a long time and is a way to get children to interact with officers.

“Law enforcement wants to serve and protect and we want to be friends,” said Rawley. “We want to be friends with our community. We especially want to be friends with our young people. If we can press that message to as many young people as possible I believe we can really help change relationships and enhance relationships.”

The first school visit will be next Monday morning at Forest Hills Elementary.

Officer Friendly is looking for a new name so, kids, if you think of something make sure to tell her when you see her.