Town of Navassa without a police department for second time in recent years

NAVASSA, NC (WWAY) — The town of Navassa is without a fully staffed police department for the second time in recent years.

The last of its 3 full-time officers turned in their equipment on Monday.

This comes just weeks after police chief Dale Thomas resigned to become Chief of Police for the City of Northwest.

Thomas had led Navassa’s department since December 2023.

In the meantime, Brunswick County Sheriff’s deputies will handle patrols as town leaders decide what comes next.

Town administrator Landin Holland said there are big decisions ahead, including whether to eliminate the police department and allow the Sheriff’s Office to take over.

“I’m saying that we are going to look at all options and make an informed decision as to what’s best for the future of the town,” Holland said. “You know, we have a lot to consider of the growth, changing landscape in terms of our operating budget. So these are all things we need to take into account when we look at the best solution.”

Councilwoman Ida Dixon, a former New Hanover and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Deputy and Navassa’s previous police liaison, shared a blunt message for young officers considering Navassa.

“I would say use fair, fair play with these officers and respect them and be more paid competitive. Anybody that’s out there that went to school to be a law enforcement officer, my advice to them: do not try to start your career in the town of Navassa.”

Dixon added that long-term employment for officers in the department is “a dream,” due to the town council refusing to offer competitive salaries and not allowing officers to perform the duties they are hired to do.

WWAY reached out to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office for comment, but a spokeswoman said Sheriff Brian Chism was not available to speak.