Mayor Dennis Williams says the city will deploy more police officers in downtown Wilmington as part of a plan to improve the quality of life in the area.
In a letter announcing the move, Williams cited excessive panhandling, loitering and disorderly conduct in downtown. Downtown has largely escaped the wave of shootings that have taken place in other neighborhoods in the city, but has been affected by safety concerns by those working in the area.
City Council members complained they were not consulted and wondered about the impact on neighborhood policing.
