New Assistant Police Chief for WPD

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous has appointed an Interim Assistant Police Chief to provide oversight and coordinate all city related enforcement services and community outreach efforts.

Evangelous said the new level of management within the agency will help to focus on violent crime and to give relief to citizens living in high crime areas. Captain James Varrone who has been with the agency for more than 29 years started the new position on Monday, March 7. Varrone will oversee the newly formed Office of Strategic Enforcement and Outreach (OSEO).

According to Wilmington Police this OSEO will provide a multifaceted approach to identifying and charging individuals who continually victimize citizens and threaten the tranquility of neighborhoods. In addition, the OSEO will coordinate civil enforcement in the form of nuisance abatement, investigations and civil injunctions. This division will utilize the following enforcement methods and work with private sector services to include:

• Special Investigations
• Community Policing/ Outreach Initiatives
• Area Clergy and Faith-based Services
• Coordination between Police, Code Enforcement and Fire Departments
• Coordination with City Sanitation, Lighting and other public services
• Coordination with non-profit organizations to address at risk populations and neighborhoods
• Coordination with other law enforcement agencies

“The world of policing is changing and we must embrace those changes in order to provide the best policing services possible”, said Evangelous. “This comprehensive approach will help to transform communities and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”