WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and City Council Member Luke Waddell spent over 90 minutes with leaders of a police advocacy organization on Oct. 31., discussing “urgent issues” related to the Wilmington Police Department, according to a document obtained by WECT News on Thursday.
Brannon Gray, the president of the Southeastern Chapter of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association, sent a letter to chapter members this week that provided insight into the meeting, which the letter called a “pivotal step forward” for WPD.
“This meeting was not only productive but transformative in shaping our path ahead,” the letter reads.
Association members asked for the meeting, Waddell said. Gray, NCPBA Executive Director John Midgette and association representative Steve Anthony were present, according to the letter. Issues addressed included staffing shortages, salary disparities and “personnel challenges” that the letter says impact WPD members daily.
Also discussed was the department’s promotional process. According to the letter, Saffo listened to the concerns “intently,” especially while talking about the “fairness and transparency” of how promotions work. Saffo didn’t respond to a request for comment Thursday.
Another key part of the meeting, the letter said, was the recently completed, city-funded U.S. ISS report. That investigation, as reported by WECT last week, substantiated complaints of a hostile work environment against WPD leadership after a written complaint submitted by retired Capt. Mike Fanta earlier this year.
NCPBA is “relentless” in its efforts to obtain the report, according to the letter, believing it contains “essential insights that directly affect the integrity and well-being” of WPD and city residents. WECT’s request for a copy of the report was denied.
“This is a fight for accountability, fairness and respect–principles we will defend with unwavering strength,” the letter reads. “Stand tall, remain resolute, and know that our mission has only just begun.”
The southeastern chapter has over 1,100 members, consisting of sworn and retired law enforcement personnel in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender Counties, Gray said. That includes roughly 200 members who work for Wilmington PD.
The NCPBA declined to add further comment Thursday, only saying the association is actively communicating with Saffo’s office regarding the concerns they brought forward.
Waddell declined to speak on camera Thursday but provided the following statement through text:
“I firmly believe that it is the responsibility of the City Council to uphold the highest standards of accountability for those in leadership positions within our city’s administration. Recently, at the request of members of the Police Benevolent Association, a meeting was held where a range of concerns were raised regarding the Wilmington Police Department – including compensation, benefits, promotional structure, and leadership within the department. Effective leadership is rooted in transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs and concerns of our community. When issues are brought to our attention—particularly those that impact the well-being and morale of our public safety personnel—it is essential that we address them openly and thoroughly, within the bounds of what is legally permissible.
The citizens have a right to trust that their leaders are both listening and taking meaningful action on matters of public safety. Transparency in this process not only fosters trust but also strengthens the integrity of our institutions. I remain committed to advocating for our first responders and all members of the organization who strive every day to make our city a safer, better place, ensuring that their voices are heard and working toward constructive solutions that reinforce the safety and trust of our entire community.”
WECT is still working to learn the findings of the U.S. ISS investigation and city leadership’s exact response to it.
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