Albemarle Tradewinds : September 2018

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Monday, September 24, 2018

Selective Enforcement - by Jim Bray

I would like to talk a little about Selective Enforcement. Selective Enforcement is when law enforcement officers pick and choose who to charge or arrest, whether it is an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. I believe one of the most important characteristics an officer must possess is the ability to be impartial and enforce the law equally. Officers need to be able to exercise discretion and use common sense in all situations but impartiality should be practiced as well. I had the reputation of being “by the book” but I believed treating everyone the same and holding each person to the same standard was the fairest way to enforce and apply the law. For the most part, the law is black and white with very little gray area.

It is very difficult to be an officer that practices impartiality and does not allow outside influences dictate how they fulfill their responsibilities and duties, especially in a small county. I lost friends because I did my job. I am sure there are people who will not vote for me because I wrote them a ticket while doing my job. I have been a part of the law enforcement community in Perquimans County since 1996 and observed selective enforcement practiced over and over again by local law enforcement. It always bothered me to see how people were held to different standards and depending on whom you were or who your family was determined the punishment or action taken against you. I may have lost friends for being impartial while performing my duties but I never had to worry about returning favors or opening myself up to unethical behavior.

I also believe in due process for everyone during the court process. All defendants should be afforded the same opportunities and the law applied equally to all. If I am elected, I will put an end to selective enforcement and enforce the law equally across the board. One of the advantages of being a retired law enforcement officer is that I will not be afraid to make tough decisions and no one will be above the law. Leadership starts at the top and I am looking forward to serving the citizens of Perquimans County. I would appreciate your support in November.

The Jim Bray I know - by Gary Smith

My name is Gary Smith. I am a retired North Carolina State Trooper. I was stationed in the Elizabeth City or Troop A District 3 office. I had the privilege of meeting Jim Bray when he transferred into our office and was assigned to Perquimans County on June 10, 1996.

When I first met Jim, he gave a firm handshake and looked me in the eye. This is the sign of an honest and straight-forward person. Over the years he has done nothing to change that opinion of him. He told me he is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was transferring from the Washington office.

Jim rapidly became known as a hard worker and proved knowledgeable about the law, serving as a resource to his coworkers. Our supervisors held Jim as an example to be followed because of his tremendous work ethic. For many years until he was promoted, Jim led the District in crashes investigated.

I transferred out of the Elizabeth City office in October 2005. I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in September 2009 and was assigned back to the Elizabeth City office. I had not been a District Trooper in quite some time and I was a bit rusty. Once again, Jim served as a resource to me. He actually helped to “train” me to be his Sergeant. Since he investigated so many crashes, I often asked his opinion about checking the many crash reports that were generated in the office. You see, Jim was still a hard worker.

Jim was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November 2015 and was assigned to the Nags Head or Troop A District 1 office. He quickly developed a reputation as a Trooper’s Sergeant. He worked closely with the Troopers assigned to him. He did the same work as he was asking the Troopers to do. This is how morale is built and maintained.

There is no doubt Jim is able to lead people and knows how to get the best effort from his people. He will excel in any position he attains. He leads by example and has a legendary work ethic. I am proud to know Jim as both a coworker and as a friend.

Gary Smith

Retired Sergeant

NCSHP

Glover Law Firm

Jim Bray -- by Keith Throckmorton

My name is Keith Throckmorton. I have been a citizen of Hertford NC since 2003. Before relocating here, I lived in Northern Virginia. I spent 40 years in law enforcement in that state, beginning as a State Trooper. In Fairfax County, I worked in and supervised a number of entities. There, located on the outskirts of Washington DC any type of law enforcement action was most common such as riots, protests, major crimes, security for dignitaries, and anything else in between.

The most memorable of which was 9/11.

When I moved to Perquimans County, I assisted the Sheriffs’ of Perquimans, Chowan, and Pasquotank Counties, working as a Court Bailiff. I was immediately impressed with our North Carolina Highway Patrol. Their appearance was immaculate. They always came to court prepared, and their testimonies were always thorough, professional, and left no questions in the judge’s mind. They presented a command appearance that showed respect both for the community and the position of their office. The biggest attribute that I readily recognized was that the law applied to everyone. Sadly, I also recognized that with others in law enforcement that the law only applied to those who did not know the officer or deputy. Family members, friends, and those known by some local politician were not held to the same standard as those who have the misfortune of knowing no one. This was and is an abuse of power, and a violation of office to enforce the law fairly to all.

As a trooper, Jim had the reputation of being strict but fair. He also has the reputation of being fair; the law applied to everyone, without compromise or favoritism. This is the foundation of ethical law enforcement. As a sergeant, Jim was responsible for the actions of other troopers. First-line supervision in law enforcement is of the most critical areas of the profession. Being responsible for other troopers was an awesome task and responsibility. To become a sergeant, Jim had to take numerous first-line supervision courses, including a six-week course in Raleigh. When I recall the members of the NCSHP, Jim Bray stood out among the best of the best of the department in every way. He continues to stand out in the same fashion. Jim is a husband, father, and distinguished member of Perquimans County. He has made the time to coach youth baseball for 15 years and soccer for ten years. He has earned the respect of many youths and their parents in this county. Jim Bray’s platform is IMPARTIAL, COMPASSIONATE, AND PROFESSIONAL. He could not have chosen a more self-defining Platform.

IMPARTIAL: Jim Bray represents law enforcement in an impartial way. Jim conforms to his oath of office, to enforce the law impartially. Laws are meant for everyone to include family members, friends, and others who may have connections.

COMPASSIONATE: Jim Bray has a feeling of compassion for others. As a Highway Patrolman, Jim has worked shifts. He is not all about arresting everyone; he is about reaching out to our youth to be a positive influence. His experience proves how successful he is in this endeavor. Jim is also an active member of the Hertford American Legion. Jim Bray represents the best of a citizen in Perquimans County.

PROFESSIONAL: Jim Bray is a positive role model as a professional law enforcement officer. He has a strong vision in reaching out to our your hath the middle school age, to make them aware of the drug problems. Jim believes this will be a deterrent to their future involvement. He wants to bring back the DARE Program. Jim will be seeking grants to improve current inadequate systems in the Sheriff’s Office. He wants to increase training opportunities for his deputies. Their physical health is a priority. Jim has other great ideas to offer as well when elected Sheriff of Perquimans County.

This November, cast your vote for JIM BRAY, Sheriff of Perquimans County. Keith Throckmorton, Federal Contract Investigator; Fairfax County Police, Ret.