Town of Navassa expects to have police department by end of the year

NAVASSA, NC (WWAY) — The town of Navassa will continue to operate without a police department for now, but there is hope that changes by the end of the year.

Navassa has been without a police department since early May, when the last of its three full-time officers turned their equipment in.

The town council recently passed its budget for the new fiscal year, which includes more than $350,000 to cover the salaries of a fully staffed department.

“Four officers now to come into a full-time police department, of course with a chief as well,” said Mayor Pro-tem Jerry Merrick.

The town has also applied for a grant to help with officer salaries as well.

Paperwork has also been completed and handed over to the county to have the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office continue providing coverage throughout the town.

Merrick said it will take some time for the town to rebuild its department.

“It’s going to take anywhere to 90 days to try to get that information out, to recruit, as well as interview and background check. So we’re hoping, for me, the end of the year, if not the first of the year.”

Town councilman Ernest Mooring said this will ensure the safety of town residents in the future.

“It’s a big county, so they can’t take care of everybody.,” Mooring said. “So for us to have the opportunity to have our own police department, it will give our citizens what they’re paying their taxes for and to give us a sense of security for our own city.”

Merrick said the town also needs its own department due to its continuing growth, while Mooring said salaries will be more competitive to stay in tune with what’s offered by other towns and cities in the area.