Some say WPD is racial profiling in light of violence

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Some in the African- American community say they’ve noticed a change in police attitude.

Alvin Moore is one of the people who say they feel like a victim of racial profiling in light of recent violence.

Moore says he is extremely angry by the way Wilmington Police talked to him last week after a deputy was shot in Creekwood.

“‘You people?’ That’s wrong. We are not living in the 20’s anymore. Don’t say ‘you people’, I have a name. I put my pants on like you do every morning,” said Moore.

Others also said they feel their friends and family have been targets because of their skin color during law enforcement’s search to track down Brandon Smith, the man they say shot Michael Spencer.

“I know four black men in my life and all four got pulled over,” said Sherri Ulcak.

Ulcak does think this coincidental.

“That goes to show they don’t know what to do at this point. They don’t know what to do other than to harass all black people,” said Ulcak.

But not all the people we spoke with on Tuesday think police are harassing them.

One African- American man, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he feels more threatened by the people he passes on the streets.

“Me and my girl were walking down the street and we were looking over our shoulder every minute.”

We asked the police department what it thought about the allegations and a spokeswoman released this statement: “We take every complaint seriously and would encourage anyone who feels they’ve been profiled or mistreated to file a complaint with the Wilmington Police Department. Our Internal Affairs Unit will make sure this complaint is reviewed and follow-up is made with each complainant. The Wilmington Police Department has a strict policy against profiling and we hold each of our officers accountable to obeying this policy.”