WPD offers inside look at crime-fighting surveillance video after downtown shooting

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — In the wake of a deadly shooting in downtown Wilmington early Saturday morning, the Wilmington Police Department is providing a closer look at the technology it uses to support officers and monitor activity across the city.

The department recently gave WWAY access to its STING Center, which stands for Situational Tactics and Intelligence Nexus Group. The center operates as Wilmington’s real-time crime center, combining live video surveillance and other technology to assist officers in the field.

“Our top monitor here is the intersection of Front and Market Street,” said STING Center Supervisor Casey Borton, gesturing toward one of dozens of live camera feeds displayed across a wall inside the Skyline Center facility.

“We are a multi-function unit and we have two different responsibilities. Our primary function is the real-time crime center,” Borton said.

One of the center’s roles is helping officers monitor activity in high-traffic areas, particularly downtown Wilmington.

“There are only so many of them,” Borton said. “Kind of the eyes in the sky that STING can be for them. If they see a group gathering up somewhere, they can alert officers.”

The tour came just days after a deadly shooting around 1:30 a.m. Saturday at Unhinged, a bar located at 141 N. Front St.

While the investigation remains ongoing, Borton said she could not confirm whether STING cameras captured video related to the shooting. However, she noted that many of the city’s cameras are concentrated in the downtown corridor where the incident occurred.

“Things downtown are kind of interesting. The city has a network of cameras and there is a higher concentration in downtown than other areas within Wilmington,” Borton said. “There are more cameras on the Front Street corridor between Orange and Grace. There is a camera within every block within that area.”

Borton said the higher concentration of cameras is due to the large number of businesses, restaurants and bars that operate in the area, including venues that stay open late into the night.

According to Borton, incidents downtown typically come to the STING Center in one of two ways: through proactive monitoring, especially on busy Friday and Saturday nights, or after a 911 call is received.

In those situations, staff can review camera footage and relay information about suspects, victims or unfolding events directly to officers responding on scene.

The center also uses ShotSpotter technology, which detects and locates the sound of gunfire. However, Borton said Saturday’s shooting was not detected by the system because it occurred indoors.

As the investigation into the shooting continues, Borton said the STING Center remains focused on supporting officers and improving public safety.

“We are here to help the officers keep Wilmington a safer place,” Borton said. “Anything we can do to help them to accomplish that mission is what we are here to do.”

Borton also said the Wilmington Police Department currently partners with 25 businesses and residents who have agreed to share surveillance camera access with the STING Center, expanding its ability to monitor incidents and assist investigations.