Wilmington Police Department hosts annual Cop Camp Demo Day

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department’s annual Cop Camp is giving local children a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement while helping officers build relationships with the community.

Tuesday marked the camp’s annual Demo Day, where third- and fourth-grade campers explored the specialized equipment and units officers use every day.

One of this year’s counselors, Officer Jonathan White, knows firsthand the impact the program can have. White attended Cop Camp as a child in 2011. Earlier this year, he was sworn in as a Wilmington police officer and has returned to the program to help inspire a new generation of campers.

“It was nice to see the kids ready to come back the next day, not wanting to leave just because they had so much fun, just showing engagement from a young age and just getting that spark of interest in their eyes,” said White.

Throughout the week, campers spend time with police officers and civilian staff while learning about different aspects of the department.

“They get to experience a wonderful week hanging out with police officers, some of our professional staff members,” said Sergeant Myron Irving.

Irving says Cop Camp has been part of the department’s community outreach efforts since 1995, providing children with opportunities to interact with officers in a positive setting.

“Community involvement and community relations are essential to survival of law enforcement; it really is, and here at Wilmington we definitely want to provide the community with all opportunities to come out, engage with us, see some of the tools we have,” said Irving.

During Demo Day, campers rotated through interactive stations featuring the department’s Marine Unit, Traffic Unit, Drone Team, K-9 Unit and Mobile Command Post, giving them an up-close look at each division.

Police Chief Ryan Zuidema says allowing children to experience law enforcement firsthand helps build trust at an early age.

“Being able to kind of touch and feel and get into, sit on, play on, that kind of stuff, I think it’s good to help build those relationships with the young members of our community early on,” said Zuidema.