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Leland Police Join Cape Fear Special Teams

Special teams

The Town of Leland Police Department is now part of a multi-agency effort to better prepare for emergency response in the Cape Fear region. By pooling resources together, the Cape Fear Regional Special Teams will allow several area law enforcement agencies to become more efficient, while accessing more advanced training and equipment.

The Cape Fear Regional Special Teams is a collaboration between our department and the following agencies: Wilmington Police Department, Carolina Beach Police Department, Wrightsville Beach Police Department, UNCW Police Department, Pender County Sheriff's Office, and City of Wilmington Fire Department.

This new interagency partnership allows departments to share equipment, training facilities, and specially trained personnel when needed. The regional response could utilize crisis negotiation, SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics), or the bomb squad in any of the participating jurisdictions. 

Three officers with the Town of Leland Police Department are currently serving on the SWAT team, after being selected and completing training. There will be opportunities for more staff to be selected in the future.

“As the Town of Leland continues growing, so does the Police Department and the need for service,” Police Chief Brad Shirley said. “This new partnership will ensure our officers have access to the best training and equipment and are fully prepared to respond to any potential crisis.”

The Wilmington Police Department will serve as the host agency, coordinating training and team activations.

The Cape Fear Regional Special Teams will also work with other public safety agencies in the region to provide superior emergency services as needed.