What is your name and title?
Wade Humphrey – Motor Officer
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Burlington, North Carolina. I worked delivering furniture for a small family business while attending college
How long have you been a police officer?
I joined UNC Police in March 2014.
What is your favorite thing about being a police officer for a university?
As a UNC Police officer, we’re less call-driven—merely responding to one call for service after another. Here at UNC-Chapel Hill, we also prioritize devoting the extra time to those in the Carolina community who need assistance in order to see issues through to a lasting solution. This also provides a more congenial impression and a more positive encounter with law enforcement, building trust with the agency and, ultimately, reducing crime.
Why did you want to become a motorcycle patrol officer?
Getting to come to work and patrol on a motorcycle is a lot of officers’ dream. For me, it’s also a challenge to branch out and be a more well-rounded police officer, finding better ways to provide responsive and timely community outreach.
What is different about being a motorcycle patrol and patrols by foot or in squad cars?
Patrols in a squad car sometimes inhibit conversation and interaction with people on campus. On a motorcycle I can speak and engage with the Carolina community more easily—even simply in passing—while still being highly mobile and responsive.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about being a UNC Police officer?
We really enjoy positive interactions with people. In a line of work where we often see and interact with people during critical or difficult moments, positive, respectful interactions are just as important and perhaps even more memorable.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
I do have pets, but they have fins—not fur. I keep saltwater aquariums.
What is your favorite pastime?
On the other hand, I enjoy bass fishing.
What is your favorite thing about UNC-Chapel Hill?
Being on campus on a warm spring day under a Carolina blue sky.