In a 4–1 vote, the Wingate Town Council chose to defund the entire town police department—permanently transferring law enforcement duties to Union County.

The decision shocked many residents and officers alike. Wingate’s police officers say they were blindsided, and the department has said it was “devastated” by the vote.

This isn’t just about budgets—it’s about public trust, local accountability, and knowing that the officers protecting your community actually serve your community.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office serves a broad area, but it isn’t a replacement for a police department that knows Wingate’s neighborhoods, families, and priorities firsthand.

We’re calling on the Wingate Town Council to reconsider this decision and work with residents to find a more sustainable solution—one that maintains a dedicated local force and keeps law enforcement accountable to the people who live here.

Sign this petition to tell Wingate leaders that defunding the entire police department is not the answer—and that public safety decisions should never be made without public input.