Public Housing Unit

The current Public Housing Unit was established in September of 1997. The unit was assigned two police officers. Their salary was paid from a grant through the Wilson Housing Authority. When the unit first started, the calls for service in public housing averaged approximately 250 per month. Public housing now accounts for approximately 25 calls for service per month. The areas which housing officers work are Whitefield Homes, E.B. Jordan Homes, Hackney St. apartments Forrest Rd. Homes and El-Ramey Circle.

Current Facts

  • Population for Public Housing is currently near 2000 residents.
  • Population for Section-8 residents is approximately 1,199 in the city of Wilson
  • Public Housing officers are responsible for 4.3% of the city population in public housing.
  • Housing officers are responsible for Section-8 Housing at 3.0% of Wilson.
  • Housing officers are responsible in follow-up with all calls for service in the housing area.
  • There are 800 children between the age of 1 month and 18 years of age living in housing.
  • Officers target these children for community programs against drugs, alcohol abuse, unwed mothers, bicycle safety, clean up of neighborhood areas and also state certified programs.
  • There are 407 senior citizens that Officers target for programs in housing.
  • Officers engage in programs with the assistance of community agencies that promote safety and health care to our residents. Officers take them on field trips and community breakfasts.
  • There are approximately 795 residences in public housing. There are over 850 residences in section-8.
  • Officers have a mobile command station at the disposal of the police department. Out of this station, officers conduct many community-related programs for kids, senior citizens and adults. Officers provide child ID for daycare centers and public functions. Many of the programs that officers develop are funded by community organizations.
  • Officers have provided over 300 programs for the community.
  • Housing officers issue lease violations for infractions to residents. This is a fine and or eviction. Officers issue ban letters to any problem visitors or tenants. When a person is banned from housing in Wilson, they are banned from all housing areas in North Carolina. Officers screen all new tenant applicants.
  • Officers teach classes on self-esteem to our kids. They are included in all functions and assist with senior programs. Officers teach summer camp for kids during the school summer closing.
  • Officers assist other district officers within the City of Wilson in problem areas and also with community functions that they have in their areas.
  • Crime rate has been reduced by 91% in housing since 1997.

Simple Pleasures Program at Whitefield

On May 8th, 2004 the Wilson Police Department participated in The Simple Pleasures Program. The program was designed to show kids how to have fun without drugs being involved. Several local churches contributed to the event. Ebenezer Baptist Church provided the food and Farmington Heights Church assisted with master of ceremony.

Simple Pleasures Program - Whitefield