Wilmington PD invites community to second ‘Demo Day’

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Wilmington Police Department has announced that its second Demo Day will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11.

Building strong relationships with the community is a critical goal of any police department, and events such as Demo Day seek to strengthen this bond between the department and the communities around it. Demo Day has been very successful for the WPD, so much so that the department created a second opportunity for the community to connect with officers and get a glimpse into the daily life of a police officer.

Demo Day is typically held once a year.

In addition to viewing the WPD’s vehicles and getting close to police animals, Demo Day also allows visitors to talk with officers and understand a little bit more about what they do and why their job is so critical to serving the community.

Department officials say that helping people understand they are there to serve and protect can make all the difference.

“This is really a great experience for the entire community to come out as a family and to get to know our officers one on one, who they are behind the badge and to get to see them in a little bit of a different light. Really get to socialize with them and just have a great time here in the community,” said Brandon Shope, communications specialist with the WPD.

WPD said that its seen a lot of positives by holding these events and giving people a chance to speak with officers in an informal setting.

“You’ll get to see the mobile command post, the SABLE helicopter, which patrols the community from the skies, the K-9 unit, and the mounted patrol as well. The horses, the dogs and all that good stuff, so we’ll have a wide variety,” added Shope.

The WPD recently introduced a new horse, Ranger, to the department. He was added to the force a few months ago and hasn’t had many meet and greets yet, but he will be present at the second Demo Day.

“If you missed the Wilmington, NC Police Department’s first Demo Day last month, well you’re in luck! Come on out Tuesday morning and meet WPD officers and see all the neat equipment they use to protect our community,” the WPD states. “See you there!”

The event, which will be held at Wilmington PD headquarters, located at 615 Bess St., is open to everyone.

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