Wilmington department recognized for work supporting women in law enforcement
The Wilmington Police Department has been named the 2026 Agency of the Year by the North Carolina Law Enforcement Women’s Association (NCLEWA), the agency announced Wednesday. The statewide honor highlights departments that advance and support women in policing, emphasizing professional growth and cooperative efforts.
NCLEWA singled out Wilmington for its demonstrated commitment to professional development and collaboration within the region’s law enforcement community. In addition to the agency award, the association selected Sgt. Kameko Howell as its Woman of the Year, recognizing an individual contribution to advancing women in the profession.
“The WPD is grateful for the opportunity to support efforts to develop and empower women throughout the law enforcement profession. The agency looks forward to continuing the partnership with NCLEWA and supporting professional development opportunities for law enforcement personnel across the state.”
What the recognition means locally
For Wilmington residents, the award shines a light on the department’s internal policies and outreach efforts that may influence recruitment, retention and community interaction. Departments honored by NCLEWA typically are recognized for mentoring programs, training initiatives and policies that remove barriers to advancement for women.
City officials and police leaders often point to such recognitions when seeking to bolster public trust and to attract a broader pool of applicants. While the award does not change policing practice by itself, it can strengthen arguments for funding training and development programs, and for forming or expanding partnerships with organizations that focus on equity and leadership in public safety.
Details of the award
| Year | Award | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Agency of the Year | Wilmington Police Department |
| 2026 | Woman of the Year | Sgt. Kameko Howell |
- Focus: Support and advancement of women in law enforcement
- Recognized strengths: Professional development and collaboration
- Local impact: Potential boost to recruitment, training and community engagement efforts
Next steps and public expectations
Officials with the department described the recognition as a continuation of ongoing work rather than a final achievement. The department said it plans to maintain and expand its relationship with NCLEWA in order to provide more professional development opportunities for law enforcement personnel across North Carolina.
Residents and community organizations who have been active on issues of police transparency, workforce diversity and training may see the award as a positive sign, but it is likely to prompt questions about how the department will translate the recognition into measurable outcomes at the local level. Areas observers often track following such awards include promotion rates, retention of women officers, and the availability of mentorship and leadership programs.
The Wilmington Police Department issued a brief statement expressing gratitude for the honor and an intent to continue supporting development and empowerment of women in policing. The recognition from NCLEWA places Wilmington among a small number of agencies statewide highlighted for these efforts in 2026.
City residents seeking more information about the department’s programs and plans related to recruitment and professional development can contact the Wilmington Police Department or follow upcoming public meetings where staffing and training priorities are discussed.
