Results from survey sent to WPD shows how officers feel about working in the agency

"Those who surveyed don't recommend anyone to come work at the agency that's beyond powerful."

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) –In April, the Southeastern Police Benevolent Association sent a 36-question survey to Wilmington police department officers to get answers about concerns within the agency. The survey asked questions regarding the department’s work environment, leadership, and opinions on the city. The survey was sent to PBA members who were hired by WPD.

One question in particular asked if they would recommend WPD as a good agency to work for. Most officers responded with ‘no.’

President of the Southeastern PBA, Brannon Gray, says that based on responses, officers are looking for support.

“One of the biggest things they’re looking for is support,” Gray said. “They want support from their leadership- both above and below, and they want support from the city council.”

Other answers to questions show officers believe the work environment is poor, and they feel the city’s manager has not effectively handled issues within the department. Gray says this survey was done because of the number of complaints made in the department.

“Those who surveyed don’t recommend anyone to come work at the agency that’s beyond powerful. As someone who may need services, as another officer, that’s undesirable.”

However, WPD underwent another survey that cost $75,000 of taxpayers money. This survey was done by the US ISS. They are an organization of former law enforcement, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, corporate security, and digital forensics professionals that provide specialized expertise and strategic approaches that empower organizations to protect themselves and achieve their goals. The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association claims that the survey was, quote — “apparently never opened.”

Gray claims the city’s manager and attorney say that information cannot be released to the mayor or city council.

But, an attachment to the NC PBA’s letter from a law firm claims that two North Carolina statutes say the information should be released. One of them mentions city council has subpoena power, and if the report is being kept from the council, they can subpoena it. Keep in mind that the city hired US ISS to conduct the survey.

“If the survey itself was released to at least the council, which at this point in time, the council most definitely needs to see it, I think it will solidify all of the complaints that were reported,” Gray said.