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The 5 Essential Wilmington PD Phone Numbers You Need To Know In 2025 (Plus Online Reporting Guide)

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Knowing the correct Wilmington Police Department (WPD) phone number is crucial for every resident and visitor in the Port City. While 9-1-1 is universally known for life-threatening emergencies, most interactions with law enforcement—from reporting a non-urgent crime to asking for general information—require a specific, non-emergency line. As of December 24, 2025, the WPD continues to serve the community with a multi-faceted approach to public safety, and having the right contact number ensures your call is routed quickly and efficiently to the appropriate division, whether it's the Criminal Investigations Division or the Community Engagement Unit.

The Wilmington Police Department, serving the City of Wilmington, North Carolina, is an accredited agency committed to community policing and transparency. This guide cuts through the confusion, providing you with the five most important and up-to-date contact numbers, the official headquarters address, and a breakdown of their modern online services to keep you informed and safe.

The Complete Wilmington Police Department Contact Directory (WPD NC)

The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) operates out of its main headquarters and utilizes several dedicated phone lines to manage the high volume of calls for service, which reached nearly 150,000 in 2024. Here is the complete list of essential contact information for the WPD in North Carolina.

  • Agency Name: Wilmington Police Department (WPD)
  • Location: Wilmington, North Carolina (New Hanover County)
  • Chief of Police: (Entity for topical authority)
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and NCLEA (North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation)
  • Number of Sworn Officers: Approximately 270
  • Headquarters Address: 615 Bess St., Wilmington, NC 28401

5 Key Wilmington PD Phone Numbers You Must Save

Here are the five critical phone numbers for different types of police interaction, ensuring you never misuse the 9-1-1 system for routine matters.

  1. Emergency (Life-Threatening Situations): 9-1-1
    • When to Call: Fires, medical emergencies, crimes in progress, or any situation where immediate police, fire, or EMS response is required.
  2. Non-Emergency / General Business Line: (910) 343-3600
    • When to Call: To report a non-violent crime that is not currently in progress (e.g., a theft that occurred hours ago), to request an officer for a non-urgent matter, or for general administrative inquiries. This line serves as the main WPD dispatch number.
  3. WPD Crime Tip Hotline (Phone): (910) 343-3609
    • When to Call: To submit information directly to the WPD about criminal activity, cold cases, or suspicious behavior.
  4. New Hanover County Crime Stoppers: (910) 452-6127 or (800) 531-9845
    • When to Call: For anonymous reporting of crime information that could lead to an arrest and a cash reward. This is a separate, dedicated service.
  5. WPD Text-a-Tip Service: Text WPDNC to 847411 (tip411)
    • When to Use: To send an anonymous text message tip to the police without having to speak to an operator. This is a modern, discreet reporting method.

How to File a Police Report Online with the WPD

For convenience and efficiency, the WPD strongly encourages the use of its online Police to Citizen (P2C) reporting system for certain types of incidents. This service is part of the department's ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for public safety and administrative efficiency.

The WPD Police to Citizen (P2C) Portal

The P2C website is a valuable resource that allows residents to complete several tasks without needing to call the administrative or non-emergency lines, saving both the public and the department time. The portal is typically used for:

  • Filing an Online Report: You can start a new online incident report for non-emergency situations such as minor theft, lost property, or vandalism where there are no suspects or immediate danger.
  • Printing Public Police Reports: The system allows citizens to search for and print copies of public police reports, including crash reports.
  • Viewing Daily Bulletins: The P2C site often provides access to a daily bulletin of events, offering transparency into WPD operations.
  • Commendation or Complaint: While some departments use a different system, the P2C portal is the official gateway for many WPD records and services.

Before submitting an online report, always ensure your incident meets the criteria (e.g., no immediate threat, no suspect information, occurred within the city limits).

WPD’s Commitment to Community Engagement and Modern Services

The Wilmington Police Department is not just focused on enforcement; a significant part of its mission involves proactive community engagement and social service integration. This focus ensures a holistic approach to public safety and crime prevention, making the city a safer place for its residents.

New Initiatives and Community Programs (2024-2025)

The WPD’s Community Engagement Unit plays a vital role in connecting with the public through various programs. This unit is staffed by dedicated sworn officers who focus on building trust and rapport with neighborhoods. Recent and ongoing efforts include:

  • Cop Camp: The WPD has been running its cost-free Cop Camp since 1995, designed to provide local children with a positive experience with law enforcement.
  • Social Worker Integration: Starting in 2024, the WPD enhanced its social services by co-locating a dedicated Social Worker at the Community Center, providing a crucial liaison between the police and social service provision. This initiative helps address underlying social issues that contribute to crime.
  • Group Violence Intervention (GVI): The WPD employs a holistic crime prevention strategy that blends law enforcement tactics with social service provision to curb group-related violence. (Entity: Crime Prevention Strategy)
  • NIBIN Integration: The department utilizes the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to aid in the investigation of gun-related crimes. (Entity: Forensic Technology)

These programs highlight the WPD's role as a partner in the community, not just a reactive force. By knowing the Wilmington PD phone number for administrative services, you can also inquire about participating in or supporting these valuable community initiatives.

When to Call the WPD Administrative Line vs. 9-1-1

A common mistake is calling 9-1-1 for matters that should be handled by the non-emergency line, (910) 343-3600. Misusing 9-1-1 can delay response times for genuine emergencies. Here is a quick breakdown:

Call 9-1-1 ONLY If:

  • Someone is injured or requires immediate medical attention.
  • A crime is in progress (e.g., active burglary, assault, domestic violence).
  • There is a fire or a hazardous material spill.
  • A life or property is in immediate danger.

Call (910) 343-3600 If:

  • You need to report a past crime with no suspect present.
  • Your vehicle was stolen, and the suspect is long gone.
  • You have general questions about police services or want to commend an officer.
  • You need a welfare check on someone who is not in immediate distress.
  • You are reporting a noise complaint or a minor neighborhood dispute.

By utilizing the correct contact number—whether it's the main Wilmington PD phone number for non-emergencies or the anonymous tip line—you contribute directly to the efficiency and effectiveness of public safety services in Wilmington, NC.

The 5 Essential Wilmington PD Phone Numbers You Need to Know in 2025 (Plus Online Reporting Guide)
wilmington pd phone number
wilmington pd phone number

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