Parks Resource Officer Program

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

“This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my career.” Words that every organization wants to hear from their employees. How did Deputy Sheriff, 1st Sargeant Dean Olinger get there? By putting on a new uniform and leading a new unit of Parks Resource Officers. This high level of job satisfaction is echoed by all six Parks Resource Officers and their work in the parks has had a positive effect on Parks employees as well. COVID 19 brought many changes to all our lives as we looked for safe ways to interact with people. One positive change was the realization that being outdoors was not only good for your physical health, but it was also beneficial to your mental health. New Hanover County Parks saw a surge in park usage that has not slowed down, even as restrictions for indoor gatherings were lifted. Parks employees were seeing more issues in the parks and knowing that they had a new resource in the PRU has enabled them to feel safer in the workplace. This new program is part of the larger Community Policing model and brings together the Parks & Gardens Department and the Sheriff’s Office in a whole new way.