Aerial view of Wilmington
 

About the Police Accountability Board

What is the Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board?
The Wilmington Police Accountability Board (WPAB) was created to strengthen trust between the community and the Wilmington Police Department by increasing transparency, promoting accountability, and ensuring residents have a clear place to raise concerns about police conduct.

What the PAB Does

The Wilmington Police Accountability Board supports accountability and transparency by:

  • Receiving and reviewing complaints from the public about police conduct

  • Monitoring whether complaints are handled fairly and consistently through established processes

  • Reviewing patterns and trends in policing practices and complaint outcomes

  • Making recommendations to improve policies, training, and accountability

  • Publishing public reports and updates to help keep residents informed

What the PAB Does NOT Do

To set clear expectations, the WPAB: 

  • Does not replace Wilmington Police Internal Affairs

  • Does not directly discipline officers

  • Does not control day-to-day police operations

  • Does not act as a legal representative or advocate for individuals

Instead, the Board serves as an independent oversight and review body, working to promote fairness, transparency, and trust while respecting legal and contractual processes.

Members

Appointed by the Mayor

  • Chair: Hanifa Shabazz (Community member)
  • Albert Mills (Community member impacted by the juvenile and/or adult criminal justice system)
  • Bishop Thomas Weeks (Faith-based community)
  • Jennifer Thompkins (Civil rights community)

Appointed by City Council

  • Co-Chair: Nicholas X. Brock (Community member)
  • Darryl L. Chambers (Education community)
  • Andrea Hale-Nichols (Mental health community)

 

Police Accountability Board — At a Glance

Use of Force Oversight Summary
The Wilmington Police Accountability Board reviews use-of-force and oversight data to promote transparency and accountability.

Reporting period covered:
April 1 – September 30, 2025

High-level overview (combined):

  • Total calls for service: 125,258

  • Total arrests: 1,197

  • Officers involved in use-of-force incidents: 64

  • Members of the public involved: 51

Most common reasons for use of force:

  • Resisting arrest or non-compliance

  • Fleeing from police

  • Apprehension of armed or combative subjects

Types of force most frequently reported:

  • Taser deployments

  • Hands / physical control

  • Limited use of canine apprehension

This summary reflects the Board’s high-level review of aggregated data provided by the Wilmington Police Department. Detailed findings, analysis, and recommendations are published in the Board’s Quarterly and Annual Reports.

Data is presented at an aggregate level and does not include confidential or identifying information.

How to File a Complaint

1. What qualifies as a complaint?

You may file a complaint if you believe:

  • An officer acted improperly or unprofessionally

  • Your rights were violated

  • You experienced misconduct, excessive force, discourtesy, bias, or other concerning behavior

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, you can still submit your concern. The Board will review it and assist with determining the appropriate next steps.

Need Help Understanding the Process?

If you’re unsure how to submit your concern, you may contact the Board for general guidance on the complaint process and what information is helpful to include. The Board cannot provide legal advice or act as a representative, but it can help direct residents to the appropriate process and resources. 

2. How to submit

Complaints can be submitted:

  • Through the online contact form

  • By email

  • In writing

  • Or during public comment at a Board meeting

3. What happens after you submit?

  • The Board logs and acknowledges receipt

  • The complaint is referred through the appropriate investigative or review process

  • The Board monitors trends and outcomes to identify systemic issues and make recommendations

4. Communication & Timelines

The WPAB is a public oversight body and does not conduct investigations directly. After a complaint is submitted:

  • The submission is logged and acknowledged

  • Complaints are generally reviewed during the Board’s regular monthly meeting cycle

  • Complaints are referred through appropriate channels as required by law and policy

 

Intake Disclaimer:
Submitting a complaint to the WPAB does not guarantee a specific outcome, a personal response beyond acknowledgment, or that the Board will be able to share details of an investigation due to legal, privacy, or labor-related restrictions.

 

5. What the Board Can & Cannot Do

  • The PAB can review complaints, monitor investigations, and make policy recommendations

  • The PAB cannot directly discipline officers or override legal processes

Contact the Police Accountability Board Now

 

Meetings

Residents are encouraged to engage with the Board’s work. You may submit public comment prior to a meeting or attend a meeting to share feedback during designated comment periods.

The Board meets every third Monday of the month in the 3rd Floor Conference Room, except December and August.
Agendas, minutes, and meeting recordings will be posted on this page.

Public Access (Zoom)
Members of the public may attend via Zoom:

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86575531266
Webinar ID: 865 7553 1266
Dial-in: (301) 715-8592 or (305) 224-1968 (enter Webinar ID when prompted)

 

Meeting Schedule and Agendas
September 15, 2025
October 20, 2025
November 17, 2025
January 19, 2026
February 16, 2026

March 16, 2026
 April 20, 2026
 May 18, 2026
 June 15, 2026
 July 20, 2026

Meeting Minutes, Agendas, Quarterly Reports, and Annual Recommendation Reports

The WPAB publishes public reports and summaries based on its review and analysis of available data, consistent with legal and confidentiality requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PAB independent?
Yes. The Board operates independently within the City’s oversight structure and is designed to provide civilian review and accountability.

Can the PAB discipline officers?
No. The Board does not impose discipline. It reviews cases, monitors processes, and makes recommendations to improve accountability.

How are complaints handled?
Complaints are documented, reviewed, and forwarded through appropriate investigative channels. The Board monitors how complaints are handled to help ensure fairness and transparency.

Are meetings open to the public?
Yes. Meetings are generally open to the public unless otherwise permitted by law. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate.

What if I’m unsure whether something I experienced counts as a complaint?
Submit it anyway. The Board will help determine the appropriate next step.

Resources