Mayor Carney, Chief Campos Announce the Creation of an Office of Community Safety, Highlight Wilmington’s Public Safety Efforts

WILMINGTON - Mayor John Carney and Chief Wilfredo Campos on Wednesday announced the creation of a citywide Office of Community Safety, intended to strengthen the City's holistic, proactive, and community-based approach to public safety and policing.

This announcement is part of a recorded interview detailing the City's ongoing public safety efforts and highlighting major accomplishments from the Wilmington Police Department's 2025 year-end report. Among these accomplishments are the lowest number of shooting incidents in over two decades and an overall reduction in Part 1 crime. Progress is driven by data-informed strategies, including a targeted hotspot approach, expanded officer training and accountability, partnerships with community organizations and public agencies, and more.

The new Office of Community Safety will be led by a Director of Community Safety, who will serve as a senior-level advisor to the Mayor, and will act as a liaison between the agencies and community organizations responsible for overseeing Wilmington's public safety initiatives.

"As I've traveled around the city, I've been consistently impressed with the Wilmington Police Department's community-based approach to public safety," said Mayor John Carney. "Data shows that crime is trending in the right direction, but one life lost is one too many. Ensuring the safety of all Wilmington residents remains our constant approach, and we will build on our shared progress with the addition of an Office of Community Safety. I'd like to thank our law enforcement for their service to our community and Wilmington residents for their ongoing cooperation and engagement."

"We have made great progress in the past year as we continue our efforts to make Wilmington safer for all of our residents and visitors," said Chief Wilfredo Campos. "I invite you to check out my conversation with the Mayor about the Wilmington Police Department's year-end report, as well as our broader public safety initiatives and the Mayor's creation of an Office of Community Safety."

The full interview is available at the WITN Channel 22 YouTube.

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