Town of Duck Police Department

10/30/2026

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! 🚨

The Town of Duck is seeking community input as it moves forward with the search for its next Police Chief. We want to hear what matters most to you, from leadership qualities and professional experience to the priorities you’d like to see in the department’s next leader.

Your feedback matters and will help inform the recruitment process.

📝 Take the survey today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RLPRW77

⏰ Survey closes TODAY, October 30!

As the Town of Duck moves forward with the search for its next Police Chief, the community is invited to share their input through an online survey.

What leadership qualities, professional experience, and priorities are most important to you in the next Police Chief? Your feedback will help inform the recruitment process and provide valuable insight into the community’s expectations for the department’s next leader.

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RLPRW77
Deadline: October 30, 2026

Thank you for helping shape the future of the Duck Police Department!

10/26/2026

As the Town of Duck moves forward with the search for its next Police Chief, the community is invited to share their input through an online survey.

What leadership qualities, professional experience, and priorities are most important to you in the next Police Chief? Your feedback will help inform the recruitment process and provide valuable insight into the community’s expectations for the department’s next leader.

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RLPRW77
Deadline: October 30, 2026

Thank you for helping shape the future of the Duck Police Department!

10/22/2026

Driver Arrested on DWI Charge Following Two-Vehicle Crash on Duck Road

DUCK, N.C. — A driver was arrested following a two vehicle crash on Duck Road (N.C. 12) near Village Table and Tavern on Wednesday evening. The crash involved an Outer Banks Adventures bus and a Jeep Wrangler. The bus was not carrying any passengers. No injuries were reported.

On Wednesday, October 21 at approximately 8:44 p.m., the Duck Fire Department, Duck Police Department and Dare County Emergency Medical Services responded to the crash in the 1300 block of Duck Road. Investigators determined that the northbound Jeep Wrangler crossed the center line and struck the southbound bus at an angle.

The Jeep’s driver, Dean Ertzner, 62, of Chesterfield, Virginia, was arrested and charged with driving while impaired (DWI) and driving left of center. He was incarcerated at the Dare County Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond.

Both vehicles sustained damage that left them unable to be driven and were towed from the scene by Seto's. The incident temporarily closed Duck Road (NC 12), with traffic diverted onto the multi-use path for approximately one hour.

The Duck Police Department reminds motorists to never drive while impaired. Anyone planning to drink should arrange for a sober driver or find another safe way home.

There is no pending investigation related to this incident.

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10/16/2026

TRUNK-OR-TREAT CANCELLED

Mother Nature has thrown us another curve ball. Due to the current forecast for rain and windy, gusty conditions, we have made the decision to cancel this year’s Trunk-or-Treat event.

We know this is disappointing, and we appreciate everyone who was looking forward to joining us! The safety of our attendees, volunteers, and staff is always our top priority, and we feel this is the best decision given the expected weather conditions.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you at another Town of Duck event soon!

10/13/2026

It is with gratitude for his many years of service that the Town of Duck announces Police Chief Jeffrey Ackerman’s upcoming retirement, effective April 1, 2027. After 29 years in law enforcement, including nearly 24 years serving Duck, Chief Ackerman leaves a lasting impact on our Police Department and community. While we are happy for him as he begins this next chapter, he will certainly be missed by his colleagues and the Duck community!

As we look ahead, the Town is working with Developmental Associates to guide the search for our next police chief. As part of this process, community members are invited to share their perspectives on the qualities and priorities that matter most in the department’s next leader.

Share your input by October 30, 2026: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RLPRW77

To learn more about Chief Ackerman’s retirement and the search process, read the full press release here: https://ducknc.gov/news/town-of-duck-announces-police-chief-jeffrey-ackermans-retirement-begins-search-for-successor/

Please join us in thanking Chief Ackerman for his dedicated service and wishing him all the best in the years ahead!

09/24/2026

Congratulations to Officer Higgins for completing Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)!

We are proud of his dedication and hard work as he continues his service with the Duck Police Department.

Congratulations on this important accomplishment!

College of The Albemarle recognized students from the 2026 BLET class who successfully completed the program’s requirements. During the 25-week training program, students completed more than 868 hours of instruction, including classroom learning, physical training and practical exercises.

📸: Shown, from left, front are Michael Wayne Reinke Jr., Dylan Reed Higgins, Brandon Lee Coleman, Jesse Nicole Lynn Archambo, Camryn Blair Tate; and back, Scott Mahar Nesbit, Mason Daniel Kennedy, Ferron Leigh Dulin, Tristan Wayne Murdock, Frank Adam Wescott and Walker James Spruill. Courtesy COA
📰: Read more at https://www.thecoastlandtimes.com/school/college-of-the-albemarle-recognizes-blet-students-cf4175f5

09/17/2026

This afternoon at approximately 1715 hrs. Southern Shores Police Dept. responded to Kitty Hawk Elementary School for a report of a threat of violence on school grounds that was communicated via social media by a Juvenile suspect. The school and ball fields were secured by Southern Shores Police Department and local law enforcement and evacuated for public safety. After further investigation it was determined at no time was there an active threat facing the school, adjacent ball fields, or the surrounding area. A Juvenile suspect was detained, interviewed and released to the care of of their parents. Charges are pending further investigation. The Southern Shores Police Department would like to thank Kitty Hawk Police Dept, Duck Police Dept, Kill Devil Hills Police Dept and Dare County Sheriff’s Office and Southern Shores Fire Department for their assistance in securing the school and the local area.

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years have passed since September 11, 2001, but for so many, the impact of that day never truly ended.

Today, we remember the people who lost their lives and the families, friends, and communities who were forever changed by their loss. We remember the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders who ran toward danger while others were trying to get away. We remember those who never came home, and those who have carried the physical and emotional effects of that day with them for the past 25 years.

We also remember the people who came together in the days and weeks that followed: neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping strangers, and communities across the country standing together.

September 11 is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who serve, but also of the importance of looking out for one another.

The Duck PD and the Duck Fire Department join communities across our country in remembering those we lost, honoring those who served, and keeping in our thoughts the families and first responders who continue to feel the effects of that day.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/10/2026

Tomorrow, we will gather to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, marking the 25th anniversary of that tragic day.

Please join us for a memorial ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the Town of Duck Public Safety Building (1259 Duck Road).

The ceremony will include brief remarks from Public Safety leadership, the ringing of the bell, and a moment of silence in remembrance. No matter where you are, whether here in Duck, across North Carolina, or out of state, we encourage everyone to take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember. Taking time to honor those we lost, recognize the courage and compassion shown in the aftermath, and reflect on the lasting impact of September 11 is meaningful wherever you may be.

All are welcome to join us for this time of reflection, remembrance, and unity as we honor those whose lives were lost 25 years ago.

Duck Fire Department Town of Duck Police Department

08/27/2026

You put your morning coffee in the cupholder when you drive. Not because you plan to slam on the brakes... Not because you expect to hit a pothole....

You do it because you know it can tip over, slide, or spill while the car is moving.

You secure your coffee so… why wouldn't you secure your most important passengers, too?

Children riding in golf carts and low-speed vehicles must be properly restrained as required by law.

Coffee gets a cupholder. The kid gets a proper restraint. (Not sitting in the lap of the driver or other passenger!)

Buckle up before you roll.