Community Policing and Special Programs

Community Policing

The Ocean Isle Beach Police Department is firmly committed to setting the example for other communities when it comes to community policing. All of the officers have been sent to numerous community policing courses, which provide them with the training and background to be effective in community policing. During each officer's daily activities, he or she will have extensive contact with the business community as well as the citizens of Ocean Isle Beach. This contact helps to forge the necessary relationship between the community and the police department. The department, in close cooperation with the needs of the community, has implemented many programs that are considered a part of community policing. A list of these programs and a brief synopsis of each are listed below.

Community Watch

A Community Watch Program was initiated in the spring of 2000. Community Watch Programs involve the local citizens working directly with the police department. The process involves organizing the citizens so that they can aid the police in identifying possible violation of laws. The officer who is responsible for community watch is Captain Ken Bellamy. Unfortunately, due to low community participation, the Community Watch Program has been cancelled. The Police Department is in favor of a Community Watch and would be willing to assist the citizens of the beach if enough interest is shown. A special thank you to those citizens who did participate regularly in this program.

Adopt A Business

Each patrol officer is responsible for sponsoring several business within the community. The officer's job is to assist that business with any needs that may arise concerning law enforcement. For example, a business may want assistance in stopping shoplifting. The assigned officer would advise the business on how to best solve the problem. The officer responsible for the program is: Captain Ken Bellamy. The patrol division has the responsibility of checking the security of each business within our jurisdiction daily. This activity serves two purposes. It is to deter possible break-ins/robberies and also to find crimes that have already occurred. This is taking a more proactive approach to stopping crime.

Low Speed Electric Vehicles (Golf Carts)

By North Carolina law it is required for LSEV’s to be driven on public streets (no sidewalks), that all operators must possess a valid driver’s license, the vehicle must be registered with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, have a valid license tag, vehicle inspection, and valid vehicle insurance. LSEV’s fall under the following Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. No. 500 (49 CFR 571.500 which states they must have the ability to travel between 20-25 mph, and be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers (VIN). If you are bringing a Low Speed Electric Vehicle (Golf Cart) from out of state your LSEV must be registered with your state of residence Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and must have a license tag (Hard tag just like your car) issued by your DMV, and have valid insurance. The Town of Ocean Isle Beach does not offer any type of temporary permit for the use of golf carts. All vehicles on the road must have state issued license tags. If you have any questions or concerns regarding LSEV’s, please feel free to contact the Ocean Isle Beach Police Department at 910-579-4221, Monday through Friday during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.