The City of Northwest is recruiting for police officers after having none left

No city officers are on the roster, and fortunately, the streets remain quiet. Now, they're relying on Brunswick County for support.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY)–In the city of Northwest, a small rural community just about 20 minutes from Wilmington, something is missing. It’s a void that only Mayor Shelia Grady can explain.

“We were down to one officer, who was our chief, and he has resigned that office. Right now, we’re recruiting and planning to restructure our department,” Mayor Grady said.

Reporter: “So, you don’t have any city police officers?”
Grady: “That is correct.”

No city officers are on the roster, and fortunately, the streets remain quiet. Now, they’re relying on Brunswick County for support.

“We are working with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s office. They have been very diligent working with us,” Grady said. “We have issues occasionally. But, that’s the good thing, that it’s occasionally. It’s a small-knit community but neighbors tend to look out for each other.”

For the most part, the county’s help gives the city breathing room while Mayor Grady recruits more officers. However, it isn’t a simple task.

“Every municipality, mayor, whomever I’ve spoken with, they’re down. There are just not enough people interested in going into this profession now,” Grady said.

Reporter: “Residents pay taxes, and they pay taxes for these services. They don’t have these services right now…”
Grady: The temporary program that we will be working with Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, those officers will be located in our city, working, and our citizen’s tax dollars will be going towards paying them.”

Until then, residents rely on outside help until there is a resolution.

There are currently two open positions on the City of Northwest website. One position’s beginning pay is $40,000. The other starts at $46,000. Grady says the pay wage depends on your experience in law enforcement. Each position comes with full benefits of health, dental, and vision insurance. You can also save in your 401k. For those who are interested, click here.