OUR MISSION

The mission of the Oak Island Police Department is to serve and protect the community by delivering professional police services; officers will enforce the law, ensure the safety of our community, and protect the rights of all citizens by policing with fairness and integrity.

OUR VISION

We strive to exceed the expectations of those we serve, focus on being positive, and treat everyone with the highest level of professionalism.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

• Chief of Police: Charles A Morris II
• Assistant Chief: Franklin Cooke
• Detective Lieutenant: Michael Oxford
• Patrol Lieutenant: Loyd Hames

DEPARTMENT STAFF

ANNUAL REPORTS

The most recent Oak Island Police Department Annual Report was presented to the Oak Island Town Council during its regular meeting on February 11, 2025.

• 2024 Annual Report

• 2022-23 Annual Report

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

On behalf of all the members of the Oak Island Police Department, it is my pleasure to present our 2024 Annual Report. The information contained in the following pages reflects the outstanding work completed by our dedicated staff and officers.

The report outlines the services and accomplishments achieved by the Department, along with statistical information on crime and traffic, as well as partnerships that have been built with the community throughout the year.

The Department works daily to keep our community protected and streets safe. Traffic safety, community engagement, beach safety, and employee development continue to be priorities as we remain focused on delivering the highest quality of police services possible.

Even though our town has thousands of visitors each year, the Town maintains a low crime rate. Over the past few years, the Department has overseen and greatly improved the Traffic Safety Camera project expanding to more than sixty safety cameras throughout the Town which capture the high traffic and high liability areas. This has been a great addition that adds another layer of safety to our community.

As with many beach communities, the use of Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) is a popular and convenient way to travel around the island during the summer season. In response to the increasing number of LSVs, the Department launched the “Slow Ride: Take it Safely” campaign, which included a video and map to help LSV drivers navigate the Island in a safe manner.

Additionally, the Department conducted Active Shooter training for Town employees and completed security assessments for numerous town buildings.

Community engagement and partnerships continue to remain a priority, as our Community Resource Officer and patrol officers are accessible and frequently involved in Town events. In 2024, we hosted or participated in community events such National Night Out, School Supply Drive, The Clause Cause, Banding Together for Western North Carolina, and many others. We are grateful for the community support as we work to reinforce our established relationships, solving problems together as they arise.

I want to thank all the members of the Oak Island Police Department for doing an outstanding job and extend a special Thank You to the Oak Island community for their support and for allowing us to serve.

Charles A. Morris II, Chief of Police

ABOUT THE C.R.O. PROGRAM

Known as a “public to police problem solver,” the Community Resource Officer program serves to enhance the relationship between the community and the Police Department. In this position, the officer reviews statistics and community feedback for all areas of Oak Island, to help develop cooperative strategies for addressing current problems or emerging trends.

Responsibilities:

• Attending community meetings
• Promoting crime prevention strategies
• Organizing tested programs such as "Coffee with a Cop"
• Innovating new partnerships with local businesses, churches, and civic groups
• Providing a more informal level of interaction with the public

PROGRAM HISTORY 

In August of 2022, the Community Resource Officer Program was re-launched by the Oak Island Police Department after several years hiatus. Following discussions with the Town Council, Town Administration, and various members of the community, Police Chief Charlie Morris saw an opportunity to not only re-launch the program, be also to update its mission and objectives as well. Since the re-launch, Community Resource Officers have been working hard to listen and build positive relationships within the community, to ensure problems are solved together.

CONTACT THE C.R.O.

• Joe Trahey, Community Resource Officer 

To speak with the Community Resource Officer directly, contact the Department by calling 910-278-5595, or using the Contact Form provided below.

POLICE DEPARTMENT CONTACT FORM

Are you looking for a new job opportunity, or maybe a whole new career? The Oak Island Police Department may be the right fit for you! 

We offer regionally competitive salaries with benefits, PLUS options for both experienced and entry-level officers through the PAID RECRUITMENT PROGRAM (get paid a salary and benefits while you train!) Other benefits include: 

• Health / Dental / Vision / Life Insurance
• 401K Contribution (5%)
• State Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Annual & Sick Leave
• Overtime Opportunities
• Workout Facility Access
• Take Home Vehicle

To view currently available opportunities or to apply, visit: OakIslandNC.gov/JOBS or click the link below

NOTICE: Applications will need to include additional forms provided by the NC Department of Justice:

• Authorization for Release of Information.12.2020

• F-3 (LE) Personal History Statement (04-2024)

• F-3 Charges & Expunctions Continuation Page (03-2024)

• F-3 Work History Continuation Page (04-2024)

NOTE: If the download links for the forms listed above are not working, these forms can be downloaded directly from the NCDOJ Website at: https://ncdoj.gov/law-enforcement-training/criminal-justice/forms-and-publications/#91-114-wpfd-law-enforcement-p2

ACCIDENT REPORTS

PLEASE NOTE: The Police Department does NOT provide vehicles accident reports directly. Report are provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

To order a report from NCDOT, visit www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/records-reports/Pages/crash-reports.aspx. or click the link below.

When requesting a report, make sure to have all personal information ready, such as driver information, report number, and date of report. 

PROPERTY RECORDS 

Keep Track of Your Stuff!

ReportIt is a free service that lets you securely store serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so that your items may be more easily identified in the event of theft or loss due to disaster. Create your own secure id and password in order to access your inventory anywhere you have internet access.

IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION

Have You Been the Victim of Identity Theft?

Check out the Federal Trade Commission website, to find out what steps you should take to protect yourself and fix your credit. 

ADDITIONAL FORMS

• Security Check Request Form: For the Police Department to check on your property while you are away. 
• Bicycle Registration Form: Register your bike with the Police Department
• Application for Permit to Operate a Mobility Device: Process, application, instructions and ordinance outlining process for operating a mobility device
• Business Contact Information Form: Register your business with the Police Department for emergency contact.

The Oak Island Police Department often receives questions regarding scams and other fraud attempts. In addition to hosting regular fraud prevention presentations, we have provided a list of common fraud types, along with resources to help fight these attempts to take advantage of your finances.

Common Scam Types Include:

• Credit, Debt, & Loans
  
• Phony Prizes & Sales
  
• Health Fraud
  
• Money Making
  
• Tech Scams
  
• Scams of the Heart
  
• Identity Theft
  
• Fraud Against Senior Citizens

If you feel that you have been targeted by a scammer or are the victim of a scam, do not hesitate to contact the Police Department or one of the agencies listed below, to file a complaint.

• NC Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-1886) or ncdoj.gov/protecting-consumers
• Federal Trade Commission: www.consumer.ftc.gov
  
• AARP: www.aarp.org 
  
• FBI Internet Crimes Division: www.IC3.gov 
  
• National Consumer League: www.fraud.org
• Brunswick County Sheriff's Office: www.brunswicksheriff.com/resources/latest-scams

The Security Check Program is a service provided by the Oak Island Police Department, available to residents leaving their home or property for a short duration, such as a vacation or business trip.

This program is designed to provide additional safety and security to a home when the owner is out of town, by having an officer check on the residence once per day, for no more than two (2) weeks at a time, and four (4) times per year.

CRITERIA 

• The property owner must be a fulltime resident of Oak Island 
• Unless special circumstances exist, the property cannot:
  
  • Be a second property / vacation home
  • Be vacant due to being for sale
  • Be under construction

PLEASE NOTE:

• The Security Check Program is a courtesy service, and NOT a replacement for personal security measures.
• The program it is NOT a guarantee of loss prevention
• Requests will be honored for a THIRTY (30) day period.
• The Oak Island Police Department WILL NOT be held responsible for break-ins or damages. 
• Houses with an active security system DO NOT qualify for the Security Check Program

HOW TO APPLY

To register a home for the Security Check program, come to the Oak Island Police Department and fill out a form in person, or just click the link below.

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKS

Child Safety Seat Checks by a CPS Technician are available by appointment:

• Monday - Friday
• 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

To schedule an appointment, call 910-278-5595.

FINGERPRINTING

Fingerprinting services are offered for residents each Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Please call 910-278-5595 in advance to schedule an appointment. Be sure to bring a fingerprint card and driver license to the appointment. 

MEDICINE DISPOSAL

Prescription Medicine Disposal is available through the Medicine Dropbox located in the Police Department lobby, located at 4621 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465.

Monday - Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Please bring any liquids or sharps to the front window.

The Oak Island Police Department works hard to make streets safer for ALL travelers, regardless of what method of travel they are using.

Recently Electric Assist Bicycles, or e-bikes have become an increasingly popular way of getting around. While their cost-friendly nature and ease of use are appealing, they are distinctly different from regular bicycles.

That's why the Police Department will soon be launching the new Electric Bicycles Guide.     

Similar to our popular Slow Ride: Take It Safely cards for LSVs, these printed information sheets will offer clarification on the laws surrounding e-bikes, their classifications, and rules around where they can and can't be ridden in Oak Island.

For instance, E-bikes CAN be driven on any public street throughout Town; however, they CANNOT be driven on sidewalks or the Davis Canal Pedestrian Crossovers.

Seasonally, they also cannot be driven on the public beach strand from March 16 - October 14.

These ordinances also prohibit the use of similar motorized recreational riding devices such as scooters, Onewheels, skateboards, and unicycles

CLICK HERE for a Mobility Device Permit Application

According to Town Ordinance 28-38, golf carts that are not equipped and registered as a low speed vehicle may be operated by individuals with a mobility impairment.

Golf carts MUST HAVE basic equipment supplied by the manufacturer, including a VIN or serial number, and all safety devices, including:

• A low speed caution triangle 12" or greater in size mounted on the rear of the vehicle and permanently installed.
• Rearview mirror
• One reflector per side (at least 3" in width and height)
  
• Parking brake
  
• Seat belts for all seating positions
  
• A windshield
  
• Maximum of 3 rows of seats

IMPORTANT: Mobility Devices CANNOT be operated on Oak Island Drive, Beach Drive, Ocean Drive or any public street with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour. Similar to LSVs, they may cross over these streets, but not travel directly on them.

How To Register a Mobility Device 

1. Complete a Mobility Device Application (linked at the top of this section) and submit it to the Oak Island Police Department; along with proof of ownership, a valid driver’s license and proof of Insurance.
2. Read and sign the Disclaimer of Liability on page 4 of the Application, regarding the use and operation of golf carts as a Mobility Device.
3. Bring the golf cart to the Police Department, so that an officer can inspect the cart, and confirm all modification requirements have been met.
4. Once application is approved, a Registration Fee of $5 will be required before a permit decal can be issued.
5. Once a permit decal has been issued, it should be be placed in the center of the reflective triangle that is mounted to the rear of the golf cart (see illustration).

All permits expire on December 31 of the year in which they are issued, and a new application and permit is required each year. The decal CAN be used for parking in designated town resident parking places. Copies of the proof of ownership, liability insurance, and a signed Disclaimer of Liability must be in the cart at all times when in use on public property.

Drive-on Beach Access Locations 

Under Town Ordinance 28-6 (updated: June 2023),"person(s) who have been issued a state handicapped permit and / or a permanent handicapped registration plate and a permit issued by the town police department may operate an approved beach accessible vehicle on the beach in designated areas."

Operation of golf carts as a mobility assistance devices on the public beach shall be limited to:

• Electric Powered Golf Carts
• The last beach access on West Beach Drive and west to a point as designated by signage reflecting no further vehicle traffic
• From McGlamery St to the Oak Island Pier Complex
• From SE 55th St to SE 49th St
• From 10th Pl W to 13th Pl W
• From DAWN to DUSK

PLEASE NOTE: Even if you have a handicap plate or registration, a Mobility Device Application is still required for on-beach use!

Mobility Device Qualifications

CLICK HERE to view the FULL list of qualifications (Town Ordinance 28-38)

May only be operated within the Town by individuals with a mobility impairment, or their designated driver, and: 

1. CANNOT be operated on or alongside a public road or street with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour, as well as on Oak Island Drive, Beach Drive or Ocean Drive.
2. CAN cross a road with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour at designated intersections or in a manner that is the most direct route in order to decrease crossing distance
3. MUST be responsible for all liability associated with operation, and have liability insurance coverage.
4. MUST have a licensed driver at least 16 years of age or older.
5. MUST adhere to all applicable state and local laws, regulations and ordinances, including but not limited to those banning the possession and use of alcoholic beverages and all impairing substances, as well as open containers of alcohol.
6. MUST comply with all traffic rules and regulations adopted by the State of North Carolina and the Town of Oak Island.
7. CANNOT allow the number of passengers at any one time to exceed the maximum capacity specified by the manufacturer, or ride on any part not designed to carry passengers.
8. CANNOT be operated at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour.
9. MUST be operated at the right edge of the roadway and yield to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
10. MUST park in designated spaces. Parking is NOT allowed on sidewalks. Parking IS allowed in handicapped parking spaces if there is a valid handicap parking sticker or placard displayed.
11. MUST have basic equipment supplied by the manufacturer, including a vehicle identification or serial number. Such equipment must include rear view mirror and a reflective, low speed caution triangle with a minimum size of 12 inches or greater on all three sides, permanently mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
12. CAN only be operated during daylight hours from one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset.
13. MUST use standard hand signals to signal stopping or turning, if not equipped with brake lights and/or mechanical turn signals. 
14. CANNOT be operated when fog, smog, smoke or other conditions reduce visibility so that the golf cart is not visible for a distance of 250 feet.
15. CANNOT be operated on any street, roadway, or other public vehicle area that is closed due to special events, parades, or construction, unless authorized by the Chief of Police or their designee.
16. CANNOT be operated on any sidewalk, multi-use path, or designated bicycle path, except for golf carts operated by governmental or public service agencies for official purposes.
17. CANNOT be used for the purpose of towing another cart, trailer, wagon or vehicle of any kind, including a person on roller skates, skateboard, or bicycle.