OAKBORO, N.C. — Oakboro residents reached out to WCNC Charlotte for help as police department vacancies in their town continue to increase.
They say there has been no transparency from the town and now Stanly County officials are picking up the slack.
Sitting at around 2,200 residents. the town of Oakboro moves slowly. It's simple and charming and that's why Andrew Mullis decided to raise his family here.
"It’s a very family-like orientation," Mullis told WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker. "My kids are the seventh generation inside our home.”
But contrary to the slow way of life in Oakboro, something is picking up.
"I’m a concerned citizen," Mullis said. "Since about May, they’ve lost about five officers and lost the police chief.”
There were no additional cars in the parking lot of the Oakboro Police Department, and inside the building, no one was available. There was a sign on the window with a number. When WCNC Charlotte called the number, it directed us to the Stanly County Sheriff's Office.
Stanly County officials said since May they've had deputies covering Oakboro in place of OPD. The county pays the deputies time and a half and then the town of Oakboro will pay back the county.
"It’s unfortunate because our school is left without an SRO officer ... we only had one certified SRO and she resigned too," Mullis said.
WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker went to Oakboro Town Hall to ask officials about the police vacancies. No one was in or available. The only number given was directed back to the front desk.
The town posted the following statement on Facebook about the issue:
"The first priority of the Town of Oakboro is to maintain the safety and sense of security for all citizens.
Our current OPD staff continues to serve the town well just as they have done in the past. Since May, the town has contracted with Stanly County Sheriff's Department to fill the gaps in staff coverage. This option has been successful and we will continue to use their services at this time. The Town and Board are exploring all options for a quick resolution to ensure needs and safety are met, and also provide the services the citizens of Oakboro deserve."
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.