In a historic move, Wingate’s town leaders have just voted to defund the town’s entire police department and transfer all law enforcement duties to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
The Wingate Town Council approved the measure in a 4-1 vote on Monday, July 15, citing long-term cost savings as the main reason behind the decision.
The Wingate Police Department responded to the vote with disappointment. In a Facebook statement, the department said its officers were “devastated” by the decision.
The change will affect the approximately 4,000 residents of Wingate, according to 2020 U.S. Census data. Town officials said the transition will enable Union County deputies to provide full law enforcement coverage within Wingate’s municipal boundaries.
Officials have not announced a formal transition timeline. The Union County Sheriff’s Office is expected to take over public safety responsibilities in the coming weeks.
