Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department is located 2/10 of a mile East of the Drawbridge on US Highway 76.

When should I call 911?

Whenever there is an immediate threat to life, limb or property. If lives are in danger, there are serious injuries, or a crime is in progress, do not hesitate to dial 911.

Can I make a report anonymously?

Yes, tell the telecommunicator you wish to remain anonymous.

How late is the Police Department open?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department functions around the clock. The 911 Center can be accessed by phone at all times, and officers are on duty to patrol the Town 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Wrightsville Beach Police Department Front Desk is open Monday-Friday from 8AM - 5PM and can be reached by dialing 910-256-7945.

Will the Police Department take a report over the phone?

It is the policy of the Wrightsville Beach Police Department to take reports in person. An officer may respond to the location the incident occurred, to your home if you live within the Town limits, or you may come in to our station to make a report.

How do I get a copy of an accident or case report?

Our Front Desk is open Monday - Friday from 8AM -5PM. You can come to the Police Department to pick up a copy of a report. Please call ahead of time so they can have it ready for you. Or, you may send a written request along with a self addressed envelope to the Wrightsville Beach Police Department, P. O. Box 452, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.

My vehicle was towed by the Wrightsville Beach Police Department. How do I get it back?

The yellow copy of the Impound Form must be obtained at the Police Department. On it will be the address/phone number of the rotation wrecker service used to tow the vehicle. Once the yellow copy of the Impound Form is obtained, which requires proof of vehicle ownership, the form can be taken to the storage facility operated by the wrecker service and the vehicle retrieved with payment of charges. Wrecker companies will not release a vehicle without the form or before payment to them is made.

Does the Wrightsville Beach Police Department have a lost and found?

Found property is processed, logged and stored in a manner similar to the processing of crime scene evidence. If an owner can be identified, the Department makes every effort to contact them. If there are no identifiable marks on the item, owners can come to the station and a search of reports will be made. Once ownership requirements are satisfied, the item will be released. Items that are not claimed within a year are sold at auction.

How long do I have to wait before I report someone missing?

There is no waiting period for someone to be reported missing.

What do I do when I have found a lost, stray or injured animal?

Contact the Planning & Parks Department. Our Park Ranger will assist you, when on duty or we can locate resources to help.

How long can a vehicle be parked on the street before it's considered abandoned?

A vehicle may be considered abandoned if left on public property for a period of 24 hours or longer. Abandoned vehicle on private property shall be the responsibility of the person in charge of the property to tow such vehicle.
The Police Department can assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported stolen.

Do you do fingerprinting?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department does not provide a public fingerprinting service. For public fingerprinting, contact the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office at (910) 798-4200 or Wilmington Police Department at (910) 343-3600.

Does the Police Department have a jail?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department has a holding cell, used to temporarily hold people who are in custody until they can be released or transported to the New Hanover County Jail.

Does the Police Department have any volunteer programs?

Reserve Officers are an active and useful part of the Wrightsville Beach Police Department. A Reserve Officer is uniformed and a certified member of the Department serving in a volunteer capacity.

Where do I purchase a Town Decal?

You may purchase Town Decals at Wrightsville Beach Parking, 5 LIVE OAK DRIVE,
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC 28480

What do I need to bring with me to get a Town Decal?

Vehicle registration and proof of residency are the major requirements. The Town Decal is a tax levied on the residents of Wrightsville Beach and the purchase is required annually. Decals purchased between January 1st and March 31st cost $2.00. Decals purchased after March 31st are subject to a $3.00 late fee making the decal $5.00. All residents are required to purchase a decal for each vehicle registered to an address in Wrightsville Beach. Non-resident property owners may purchase decals, but there is no requirement for them to have them. The vehicle registration and proof of property ownership is required. Residency can be proven with a deed, Progress Energy bill, lease agreement, Town water bill, etc.

Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the police department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith as well as most tow companies and taxi drivers will respond to your location and unlock your vehicle for a fee. If a child is locked inside the vehicle, the police will respond to remove the child from the vehicle.

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