A new effort to get the community more involved to improving public safety in Wilmington is underway.
Mayor Dennis Williams and others announced Tuesday the creation of the First State Police Foundation.
The independent, non-profit will be comprised of corporate and civic leaders from Wilmington and across the state and seek leverage private resources to address public safety issues in local communities.
"It’s aimed at providing innovative technology to support the police and the role of public safety," says Alex Coppadge, a spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office.
The foundation’s pilot project is raising $250,00 for the installation security cameras in Wilmington’s Eastside neighborhood.
"Cameras create the opportunity to be eyes and ears when maybe a police officer isn’t there," said Coppadge.
Coppadge adds Wilmington is following a national trend with this new initiative. Municipalities and states across the country have established police foundations, with the goal of tapping local business communities to provide additional resources for law enforcement.
“I hope this foundation will spark a spirit of collaboration among law enforcement officials, business leaders and community stakeholders as we all work to fight crime in our city,” said Mayor Williams in a statement.
