Friday, October 26, 2018
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
New on Tradewinds Radio Economics from Fee
Imagine, if you will, that the United States federal government somehow received all of the money it normally would for the entire year on January 1st. The day it would have spent it all and started deficit spending (that is, spending money it simply doesn’t have) could be dubbed “Deficit Day.” This year, 2018, that day falls on October 19th. From this day until the end of the year, the US Federal Government is spending money it doesn’t have to the tune of about $11 billion per day. So what does that mean for the government? What does that mean for the people? Join Antony Davies and James Harrigan as they dive into this and more on this week’s episode of Words & Numbers
Belvidere Day
Belvidere Day
Layden’s Supermarket is having their 6th annual Belvidere Day Saturday October 27, 2018 8am-4pm. If you would like to be in the parade or a vendor please contact Doug Layden at 252-297-2875. The parade will start at 11am and they will have live entertainment from 9:30-3:30. There will be bounce houses, games, hay rides, face painting, and 8 golf cart rides all free for your kids. They are hosting a 15 cake bake off challenge with the winner receiving $100. There will be a dunking book featuring the candidates running for sheriff Jim Bray and Shelby White. Local businesses will be running specials along with multiple food vendors. A local ladies group will be making 650 homemade jacks some people refer to them as fruit pies. Come out and see the antique cars and tractors that will be on display. Please bring the family there is fun for everyone to enjoy!
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Tradewinds Radio Fee.org
Sears Was the 20th Century’s Amazon
Episode 27
After 132 years, Sears is filing for bankruptcy. But it’s not necessarily over for the company which has a surprising and honorable history of disrupting racial hierarchies in the days of Jim Crow. On this episode of the FEEcast, Richard, Anna Jane, and Marianne discuss the company that was truly the Amazon of the 20th century and tackle the question: how likely is it that today's corporate giants will stand the test of time?
Monday, October 22, 2018
New Tradewinds contributer - FEE.org
Tired of the same old slant from your local media?
Do you believe in liberty?
Albemarle Tradewinds has you covered!
We have recently teamed up with FEE, The Foundation for Economic Education to bring you a different view on today's economic news. Starting in the November edition Fee will contribute and article every month on economics and liberty. Also, tune into Tradewinds Radio at 10 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the FEE radio shows of Feecast and Words and Numbers.
To listen in to the radio shows go to http://carolinatradewindsradio.com or just go to our homepage http://albemarletradewinds.com and click the radio play button on the right hand side.
We now bring you even more alternative views that take liberty in consideration, Tom Woods, CATO, FEE, and Mises.org. Just tune in and listen!
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Friday, October 19, 2018
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Jim Bray -- by Pat Throckmorton, RN Ret.
You will hear many truths and many
untruths spoken in these days before the mid-term election. Both
candidates for Sheriff, Jim Bray, and Shelby White have had many
significant and profound statements made about them. So, what about
the spoken word? If you are reading it from a media source there is
little to no word inflection. Voices don’t get louder or softer,
they are pretty flat, like the paper you are reading them from.
Of course, you want the
best-qualified candidate to win because the win is for you, the
resident and business owner of Perquimans County, not for the
individual filling the office. If words say each candidate is “most
qualified” for the office of Sheriff, then how do you decide on the
candidate you for whom you wish to vote? Remember, the point that the
win is for the population of our great county!
The office of Sheriff of Perquimans
County should not be based on popularity. Preferably on the ideas
that words don’t portray. I do not know Shelby White on a personal
level, but I do know Jim Bray, and he views being Sheriff of
Perquimans County as a noble task. After all, he will be overseeing
this county with a population that has almost doubled since 1970 and
today stands at around 13,500 residents. Our county is 329 square
miles, and that is a vast territory.
I liken the role of Sheriff to the
Biblical definition of an Overseer. “He is above reproach, the
husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable,
hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but
gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his
own family well and see that his children obey him with proper
respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how
can he take care of…)” the people of Perquimans County?
(Scripture reference 1 Timothy 3:2-5 NIV) This description fits Jim
Bray like a glove.
Jim has served our nation as a
Marine for four years, our state as a North Carolina State Highway
Patrol Trooper for 26 years with the last three years as Sergeant,
and our community. He has been involved in the lives and livelihood
of kids in Perquimans County for many years where his boys were
enrolled in and graduated from the Perquimans County school system.
Now, take a look at Jim’s lifestyle and that of his family. Jim
and his wife of 28 years have two sons, with the oldest, Cole, who is
23, married and lives in the Raleigh area, teaching High School
Science. His youngest son, Dalton is 20 and is a Junior at ECU
majoring in nutrition. Their kids have an impeccable record. Jim and
his wife, Kim attend Mt. Sinai Church in Perquimans County.
Jim does not have county employees,
writing supporting documents for him. But who be does have is the
residents of this county doing that. Their reach is far and wide and
extends over the entire 329 square miles, not just the town of
Hertford. Jim has held his team accountable to a clean campaign with
no rotten tomatoes against his opponent and without the use of scare
tactics and intimidation. Are there rotten tomatoes? I do not
personally know, but you must find out for yourself. Talk to people.
Investigate. Ask questions. Do your checks and balances. Then
make an informed decision which will be a vote in favor of Jim Bray.
I have personally talked with
residents all over Perquimans County receiving nothing but positive
feedback about Jim Bray. Descriptive words I hear over and over are,
honesty, high integrity, high ethics, professionalism, compassion,
fairness, equality, impartial, strong leader, courageous,
trustworthy, accountable, and I could go on and on but I think enough
said.
Jim Bray’s Mission Statement for
the office of the Sheriff of Perquimans County is as follows. “To
protect and serve the citizens of Perquimans County by providing a
strong, impartial law enforcement presence that incorporates
integrity, professionalism, and compassion into the daily activities
and strategies necessary to combat crime and improve the lives of all
citizens of Perquimans County.” If you make your decision using
all the information you have at hand, then you will, without a doubt,
vote for Jim Bray for Sheriff on November 6.
Pat Throckmorton, RN Ret.
Resident Perquimans County
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Meet Perquimans County Sheriff Candidates Part 3 -- by Laura Bush Jenkins
8) As Sheriff, how will you make sure police aren’t abusing
the badge?
Jim Bray: “ An accountable chain of command and supervision
of those who oversee the road will create checks
and balances. A detailed report must happen. It is something
required.
I would also create a standard that all officers would wear
the same uniform and be clean shaven to project a strong
professional image.”
Shelby White: “I’m only as good as the sheriff’s office.
They are only as good as me. If there is an incident, I’ll
sit down and talk to the offender and address the issue at
hand. Perhaps they need more training, or we could move
them somewhere around their gifting or release them.
9) As far as hiring practices, what will you look for in an
applicant?
Jim Bray: “ I will conduct a background check and go to
[the applicant’s] high school and former employers to find
out their character. Small counties are prime ground if
officers want to move up in their careers later.
It’s true that the younger officers are expecting higher
salaries and moving to cities like Raleigh and Charlotte.
Today money is a component of what the younger generation
is seeking.
A recruitment program is the goal, but I must work with
County Commissioners. If I raise the standard of law
enforcement in the county, Commissioners may recognize
this and raise staff pay.”
Shelby White: “Do they have heart, drive, and humility? I
don’t want someone who’s arrogant, that’s not someone I
want. I don’t want someone that’s just running numbers.
Whenever we look at applications, we conduct background
checks and talk to people they’ve worked with in
the past.
Whenever you got into this type of job, you knew it would
be stressful. You don’t want someone who’s just collecting
a paycheck. I ask the applicants why they chose Perquimans.
Many say: ‘I see how Perquimans works, and there’s
structure, a family, support.’
The problem I have many times with hiring is the pay. I
couldn’t touch the pay of the last person I attempted to
hire because his current position paid 5 times more than
Perquimans. County commissioners control the money
and there’s only so much I can do.”
10) Does an applicant have to complete BLET before
working at the Sheriff’s Office?
Jim Bray: “A deputy has one year to complete BLET while
working.”
Shelby White: “No, they can be hired before completing it
within the first year.”
11) How hard is it for you to make a decision to fire someone
if there is a complaint? In particular, residents who
connected with our staff mentioned an incident where two
employees in the Animal Control department were having
inappropriate sexual relations on the job. Only one staff
member was fired and the other kept the position.
Jim Bray: “A Sheriff doesn’t have to have a reason to fire
someone. The animal control works under the sheriff in
this county, so I would have the ability to fire them.
When a new Sheriff takes office and gets sworn in December
1st, people working as deputies are also sworn in. If
the sheriff does not want to have them under employment,
he simply doesn’t swear them in.”
Shelby White: “A Sheriff can choose to release someone,
but you have to document. [In the incident you mentioned,]
it happened under Sheriff Tilley. There was a public
misconception. The person who left wanted to resign
and the other person was suspended. No crime occurred
on the job, so he was able to keep his position.”
12) Why should we elect you as Sheriff?
Jim Bray: “ I’m a strong leader who will restore professionalism
into local law enforcement. I’m not afraid of making
critical decisions and I like to make them.
I’m not afraid to arrest people, even if it’s the County Commissioners
and it is required by the law.
I’m retired and don’t have to do this. I am because I believe
in making a difference. I’m an outsider from Chowan
County and don’t owe anyone special favors.”
Shelby White: “I love Perquimans County and have lived
here my whole life. I’ve dedicated my whole career since
age 20 to working in Perquimans County Sheriff’s office.
I put myself through BLET at age 21 because I wanted to
do it. I want to give back to the community and continue
to put the ‘serve’ back in ‘serve and protect.’
Drug use is 80% less likely among young people if they
have positive relationships. Every Tuesday, the HOPE
program I support brings law enforcement officers to the
schools, building relationships.
The Sheriff’s Office grew their turnout this year for a
program at Camp Cale reaching 12 middle school and 20
Hertford Grammar School students selected by counselors
and teachers. We play games and interact with the kids,
talking about the future they have. Mothers have called
my office thanking me for the encouragement we’ve provided
in being a role model and father figure to children.”
the badge?
Jim Bray: “ An accountable chain of command and supervision
of those who oversee the road will create checks
and balances. A detailed report must happen. It is something
required.
I would also create a standard that all officers would wear
the same uniform and be clean shaven to project a strong
professional image.”
Shelby White: “I’m only as good as the sheriff’s office.
They are only as good as me. If there is an incident, I’ll
sit down and talk to the offender and address the issue at
hand. Perhaps they need more training, or we could move
them somewhere around their gifting or release them.
9) As far as hiring practices, what will you look for in an
applicant?
Jim Bray: “ I will conduct a background check and go to
[the applicant’s] high school and former employers to find
out their character. Small counties are prime ground if
officers want to move up in their careers later.
It’s true that the younger officers are expecting higher
salaries and moving to cities like Raleigh and Charlotte.
Today money is a component of what the younger generation
is seeking.
A recruitment program is the goal, but I must work with
County Commissioners. If I raise the standard of law
enforcement in the county, Commissioners may recognize
this and raise staff pay.”
Shelby White: “Do they have heart, drive, and humility? I
don’t want someone who’s arrogant, that’s not someone I
want. I don’t want someone that’s just running numbers.
Whenever we look at applications, we conduct background
checks and talk to people they’ve worked with in
the past.
Whenever you got into this type of job, you knew it would
be stressful. You don’t want someone who’s just collecting
a paycheck. I ask the applicants why they chose Perquimans.
Many say: ‘I see how Perquimans works, and there’s
structure, a family, support.’
The problem I have many times with hiring is the pay. I
couldn’t touch the pay of the last person I attempted to
hire because his current position paid 5 times more than
Perquimans. County commissioners control the money
and there’s only so much I can do.”
10) Does an applicant have to complete BLET before
working at the Sheriff’s Office?
Jim Bray: “A deputy has one year to complete BLET while
working.”
Shelby White: “No, they can be hired before completing it
within the first year.”
11) How hard is it for you to make a decision to fire someone
if there is a complaint? In particular, residents who
connected with our staff mentioned an incident where two
employees in the Animal Control department were having
inappropriate sexual relations on the job. Only one staff
member was fired and the other kept the position.
Jim Bray: “A Sheriff doesn’t have to have a reason to fire
someone. The animal control works under the sheriff in
this county, so I would have the ability to fire them.
When a new Sheriff takes office and gets sworn in December
1st, people working as deputies are also sworn in. If
the sheriff does not want to have them under employment,
he simply doesn’t swear them in.”
Shelby White: “A Sheriff can choose to release someone,
but you have to document. [In the incident you mentioned,]
it happened under Sheriff Tilley. There was a public
misconception. The person who left wanted to resign
and the other person was suspended. No crime occurred
on the job, so he was able to keep his position.”
12) Why should we elect you as Sheriff?
Jim Bray: “ I’m a strong leader who will restore professionalism
into local law enforcement. I’m not afraid of making
critical decisions and I like to make them.
I’m not afraid to arrest people, even if it’s the County Commissioners
and it is required by the law.
I’m retired and don’t have to do this. I am because I believe
in making a difference. I’m an outsider from Chowan
County and don’t owe anyone special favors.”
Shelby White: “I love Perquimans County and have lived
here my whole life. I’ve dedicated my whole career since
age 20 to working in Perquimans County Sheriff’s office.
I put myself through BLET at age 21 because I wanted to
do it. I want to give back to the community and continue
to put the ‘serve’ back in ‘serve and protect.’
Drug use is 80% less likely among young people if they
have positive relationships. Every Tuesday, the HOPE
program I support brings law enforcement officers to the
schools, building relationships.
The Sheriff’s Office grew their turnout this year for a
program at Camp Cale reaching 12 middle school and 20
Hertford Grammar School students selected by counselors
and teachers. We play games and interact with the kids,
talking about the future they have. Mothers have called
my office thanking me for the encouragement we’ve provided
in being a role model and father figure to children.”
Shelby White
Jim Bray
Monday, October 15, 2018
Meet Perquimans County Sheriff Candidates Part 2 -- by Laura Bush Jenkins
Since early voting starts October 17th, we prepared
questions to inform readers about a local sheriff’s race
and candidates’ understanding of the Bill of Rights and law
enforcement standards.
1) The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable search
and seizure and requires probable cause. As Sheriff, how
would you advise deputies when it comes to traffic stops,
DUI, and DWI?
Jim Bray: “I prefer to use more probable cause than an odor,
unless it’s very strong. The officer must consider the totality
of the circumstances.
While traffic checkpoints catch drunk drivers and drug users,
there still must be probable cause to search a vehicle.
Stopping a car without a reason is going too far. A lot of
people don’t realize they have to consent to a search, even
if they are pulled over by police for an infraction. The exception
is if there is drug paraphernalia in plain view or a driver
is intoxicated.”
Shelby White: “ You do have to have an odor to search the
car for drugs. For alcohol, that’s a different situation because
you need to delegate it to Highway Patrol.
We have to look into any tip and can do it with a knock and
talk. We might want to do surveillance, a pop-by, or send an
undercover vehicle to check on activity. We keep working
the case to get a search warrant.
Even if it’s a weekend, we can get a search warrant by a
magistrate. I prefer getting one from a superior court judge
so they will more readily accept the case if taken to a federal
level.”
2) Do you believe in ‘stop and frisk?’
Jim Bray : “’Stop and frisk’ can be used for officer safety in
a DWI.”
Shelby White: “[From the perspective of a cop on foot patrol]
I have to have a reason to stop you. Heavy duty profiling
doesn’t exist in this area. I do believe in stop and frisk’ for
officer safety.”
3) What are your standards for obtaining a confession? If
you are familiar with the REID technique which allows false
evidence to legally be presented to elicit a confession, will
you use this, or will you hold yourself and your deputies to a
higher standard?
Jim Bray: “ I am familiar with the REID technique. I don’t believe
in lying and deceiving people. I believe in being honest
and those in my command will be straightforward.
I do believe time-sensitive situations may require an interrogator
to push it to the limits- such as a child abduction or
missing person. I don’t know if law enforcement in this area
have ever used extremely aggressive tactics the way one
might see in a large area.”
Shelby White: “ I am not familiar with the REID technique
but realize this is legal. I stay within what is legal and do
not go beyond this. We don’t want to lead someone to a
false statement but work towards the truth. I want evidence
instead of a false confession.”
4) How long will you build a case before it goes to a speedy
public trial? Don’t you think in a small community with word
of mouth quickly spreading, this impedes a person’s rights if
the process drags on?
Jim Bray: “I’ve never seen a speedy public trial. It usually
has nothing to do with law enforcement, although they may
wait for the SBI to handle evidence. Usually, defendants and
their attorneys continue a case. They may even ‘judge shop’
for who they believe to be most lenient in cases like DWIs.”
Shelby White: “ A speedy public trial is impossible. It could
happen a year from now.
We have so many people in a jury pool to choose from that it
wouldn’t be unfair in a small town. Out of 75 applicants, you
can get 13 who are unbiased.”
5) A Perquimans County resident whose home was burglarized
three times in three months expressed concern
responding officers didn’t appear confident or well-trained.
How frequently will your officers be trained, and how will
you re-certify them so they understand proper handling of
evidence?
Jim Bray: “ Officers currently do not have formal training on
the collection of evidence, and if it is, it’s very little. They
refer a lot of it to state troopers at this time. I’d like to work
with the Justice Academy in Salemburg, which partners with
local agencies for free- less room and board costs.
In Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, certain training is required
when officers hit the three and six year marks. I feel
this needs to happen here also.
In addition, I would implement a physical fitness program
like the state has for its troopers. This would be a benchmark
to help them deal with the stress of the job.”
Shelby White: “During in-processing, I train the officers.
They label evidence, and it’s computer-based. We’ve never
had a problem with handling evidence.
The deputies and investigators go to schools throughout the
year as their schedule permits, so they know what to look
for. The training is basically free through the state.”
6) What will you do to make sure your officers are trained in
DWI and capable of handling this?
Jim Bray: “ DWI training is a huge problem. Officers can do
an intoxilizer and 3-day ARIDE training that focuses more
on drug impairment. I want to make sure all of my deputies
have proper knowledge to handle this instead of just a few.
Shelby White: “All officers are trained at Alkasensor school,
but only some are trained to use the Breathalyzer. [As previously
stated,] that’s why it’s passed off to Highway Patrol.”
7) How will you work with the state and county to stop drug
and human trafficking? What can you do to make sure
officers handle this?
Jim Bray: “ I am not aware of human trafficking in Perquimans
County, but I’ve heard it is a problem in the western
part of the state. It seems that there is not an industry in our
county that would support that.
I would do surveillance on users and find informants who
can tell us where the dealers are. I would also bring back the
drug task force, where people from different counties send
undercover cops. The drug houses in our area are known,
but we must catch dealers when their shipment comes in
and before it goes out.”
Shelby White: “There is no doubt drug trafficking is here.
Perquimans County is actually better off at Gates and
Chowan. All the time, we are getting drugs off the street.
I’ve arrested more people for drugs in Perquimans County
than anybody. My record includes over 250 plus drug
arrests- which led to over 40 federal convictions with 3-28
year prison sentences. I’ve worked a lot if cases with SBI,
FBI, and ATF.
I’ve already started a drug unit. Before that, there was no
dedicated person strictly working these cases. I have an
informant base after 18 years of experience. [...]
Drug stuff is not just based on traffic stops, but involves work
undercover. Cooperating witnesses and informants may
have certain conditions they expect. We may appear partial,
but it’s because we keep working the case until 6, 8, 10 buys
lead us to the dealer.
Traffic stops are good, but 98% of the time, they get users.
We’re targeting dealers. I’ve caught John Aaron Bailey and
Bubba Lee, but other drug dealers pop up next to take their
place. It’s an ongoing fight.
I have not personally seen human trafficking, although I’ve
talked with [Brew 2 Rescue Cafe] across the street about
what to look for.
Perquimans County is honestly better than any county
around us. EMS [has been issued] a nasal spray for
overdoses. Only 5 were used in Perquimans before May.
Pasquotank used 70.
Drugs don’t just affect one person, but everyone around
them. There is an Angel Program in Rocky Mount through
the Albemarle Overdose Prevention Coalition that hasn’t
started here but I’d like to implement. We tell [an addict]:
‘Bring your stuff to us turn it all in, and you won’t be
charged.’
We have a mobile crisis unit that can help people that want
to stop, but logistically getting people to where they can go
for help is a problem. They need help today and can’t wait
until tomorrow.”
Part 3 Tomorrow
questions to inform readers about a local sheriff’s race
and candidates’ understanding of the Bill of Rights and law
enforcement standards.
1) The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable search
and seizure and requires probable cause. As Sheriff, how
would you advise deputies when it comes to traffic stops,
DUI, and DWI?
Jim Bray: “I prefer to use more probable cause than an odor,
unless it’s very strong. The officer must consider the totality
of the circumstances.
While traffic checkpoints catch drunk drivers and drug users,
there still must be probable cause to search a vehicle.
Stopping a car without a reason is going too far. A lot of
people don’t realize they have to consent to a search, even
if they are pulled over by police for an infraction. The exception
is if there is drug paraphernalia in plain view or a driver
is intoxicated.”
Shelby White: “ You do have to have an odor to search the
car for drugs. For alcohol, that’s a different situation because
you need to delegate it to Highway Patrol.
We have to look into any tip and can do it with a knock and
talk. We might want to do surveillance, a pop-by, or send an
undercover vehicle to check on activity. We keep working
the case to get a search warrant.
Even if it’s a weekend, we can get a search warrant by a
magistrate. I prefer getting one from a superior court judge
so they will more readily accept the case if taken to a federal
level.”
2) Do you believe in ‘stop and frisk?’
Jim Bray : “’Stop and frisk’ can be used for officer safety in
a DWI.”
Shelby White: “[From the perspective of a cop on foot patrol]
I have to have a reason to stop you. Heavy duty profiling
doesn’t exist in this area. I do believe in stop and frisk’ for
officer safety.”
3) What are your standards for obtaining a confession? If
you are familiar with the REID technique which allows false
evidence to legally be presented to elicit a confession, will
you use this, or will you hold yourself and your deputies to a
higher standard?
Jim Bray: “ I am familiar with the REID technique. I don’t believe
in lying and deceiving people. I believe in being honest
and those in my command will be straightforward.
I do believe time-sensitive situations may require an interrogator
to push it to the limits- such as a child abduction or
missing person. I don’t know if law enforcement in this area
have ever used extremely aggressive tactics the way one
might see in a large area.”
Shelby White: “ I am not familiar with the REID technique
but realize this is legal. I stay within what is legal and do
not go beyond this. We don’t want to lead someone to a
false statement but work towards the truth. I want evidence
instead of a false confession.”
4) How long will you build a case before it goes to a speedy
public trial? Don’t you think in a small community with word
of mouth quickly spreading, this impedes a person’s rights if
the process drags on?
Jim Bray: “I’ve never seen a speedy public trial. It usually
has nothing to do with law enforcement, although they may
wait for the SBI to handle evidence. Usually, defendants and
their attorneys continue a case. They may even ‘judge shop’
for who they believe to be most lenient in cases like DWIs.”
Shelby White: “ A speedy public trial is impossible. It could
happen a year from now.
We have so many people in a jury pool to choose from that it
wouldn’t be unfair in a small town. Out of 75 applicants, you
can get 13 who are unbiased.”
5) A Perquimans County resident whose home was burglarized
three times in three months expressed concern
responding officers didn’t appear confident or well-trained.
How frequently will your officers be trained, and how will
you re-certify them so they understand proper handling of
evidence?
Jim Bray: “ Officers currently do not have formal training on
the collection of evidence, and if it is, it’s very little. They
refer a lot of it to state troopers at this time. I’d like to work
with the Justice Academy in Salemburg, which partners with
local agencies for free- less room and board costs.
In Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, certain training is required
when officers hit the three and six year marks. I feel
this needs to happen here also.
In addition, I would implement a physical fitness program
like the state has for its troopers. This would be a benchmark
to help them deal with the stress of the job.”
Shelby White: “During in-processing, I train the officers.
They label evidence, and it’s computer-based. We’ve never
had a problem with handling evidence.
The deputies and investigators go to schools throughout the
year as their schedule permits, so they know what to look
for. The training is basically free through the state.”
6) What will you do to make sure your officers are trained in
DWI and capable of handling this?
Jim Bray: “ DWI training is a huge problem. Officers can do
an intoxilizer and 3-day ARIDE training that focuses more
on drug impairment. I want to make sure all of my deputies
have proper knowledge to handle this instead of just a few.
Shelby White: “All officers are trained at Alkasensor school,
but only some are trained to use the Breathalyzer. [As previously
stated,] that’s why it’s passed off to Highway Patrol.”
7) How will you work with the state and county to stop drug
and human trafficking? What can you do to make sure
officers handle this?
Jim Bray: “ I am not aware of human trafficking in Perquimans
County, but I’ve heard it is a problem in the western
part of the state. It seems that there is not an industry in our
county that would support that.
I would do surveillance on users and find informants who
can tell us where the dealers are. I would also bring back the
drug task force, where people from different counties send
undercover cops. The drug houses in our area are known,
but we must catch dealers when their shipment comes in
and before it goes out.”
Shelby White: “There is no doubt drug trafficking is here.
Perquimans County is actually better off at Gates and
Chowan. All the time, we are getting drugs off the street.
I’ve arrested more people for drugs in Perquimans County
than anybody. My record includes over 250 plus drug
arrests- which led to over 40 federal convictions with 3-28
year prison sentences. I’ve worked a lot if cases with SBI,
FBI, and ATF.
I’ve already started a drug unit. Before that, there was no
dedicated person strictly working these cases. I have an
informant base after 18 years of experience. [...]
Drug stuff is not just based on traffic stops, but involves work
undercover. Cooperating witnesses and informants may
have certain conditions they expect. We may appear partial,
but it’s because we keep working the case until 6, 8, 10 buys
lead us to the dealer.
Traffic stops are good, but 98% of the time, they get users.
We’re targeting dealers. I’ve caught John Aaron Bailey and
Bubba Lee, but other drug dealers pop up next to take their
place. It’s an ongoing fight.
I have not personally seen human trafficking, although I’ve
talked with [Brew 2 Rescue Cafe] across the street about
what to look for.
Perquimans County is honestly better than any county
around us. EMS [has been issued] a nasal spray for
overdoses. Only 5 were used in Perquimans before May.
Pasquotank used 70.
Drugs don’t just affect one person, but everyone around
them. There is an Angel Program in Rocky Mount through
the Albemarle Overdose Prevention Coalition that hasn’t
started here but I’d like to implement. We tell [an addict]:
‘Bring your stuff to us turn it all in, and you won’t be
charged.’
We have a mobile crisis unit that can help people that want
to stop, but logistically getting people to where they can go
for help is a problem. They need help today and can’t wait
until tomorrow.”
Jim Bray
Shelby White
Part 3 Tomorrow
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Perquimans County Sheriff Candidates - Part 1 by Laura Bush Jenkins
Death Of Innocence:
Are you Really Innocent Until Proven Guilty? What are Your Rights?
Amidst two Supreme Court nominations and hype about citizen mistreatment of cops, here's a quick refresher on what the Constitution says. This applies to your local county, and we've asked upcoming Perquimans County Sheriff candidates about where your rights lie and their authorities coincide:
- Fourth Amendment- Probable cause required for search and seizure.
- Fifth Amendment- Prohibits self-incrimination.
- Sixth Amendment- You have a right to a fair and speedy public trial by jury. You can confront your accusers, call witnesses, and have counsel from an attorney.
- Eighth Amendment- Prohibits excessive fines, cruel and unusual punishment.
From the Attorney
Albemarle Tradewinds columnist and criminal defense lawyer Joe Forbes shares insights so you can better understand the justice system:
"The police aren't necessarily bound by ethics like an attorney or member of the clergy," Forbes says. In cases with multiple suspects, aggressive questioning happens a lot. Police can make up a story that someone else you know confessed, and it's perfectly legal.
"It's tough to overcome any policeman not telling the truth," he mentioned. "Law enforcement are taught to use command force."
"A lot of law enforcement want to present a macho image of 'take no prisoners.' The public would consider it unethical but [...] anything is legal except torture."
Forbes mentions people plead guilty all of the time. It's not because they committed a crime. It's often to avoid prolonging the legal process in criminal and civil arenas.
In North Carolina, misdemeanor cases are heard by a District Court judge on one day only-Wednesday. In Superior Court, where a trial could be appealed, the case load could hypothetically be 33 cases. There's no way all 33 could be heard in a week when it often takes half a day just to pick an unbiased jury.
The lengthy trial process could involve extended time away from work or accruing child care expenses. There is no guarantee of when a case is going to be heard, and it's often trail by ordeal.
How Can You Protect Yourself from So-Called Aggressive Policing
- "If you've had anything to do with [an incident,] you don't want to talk [to the police,]" says Forbes. Get a lawyer. He can stop the trail of questioning and talk to police about your right to remain silent.
- Use your cell phone to record what's happening. North Carolina is a one-party consent state when it comes to recording conversations. "If you suspect anything is going wrong, set your phone to video and make sure the audio is working." A $40 camcorder installed in the front of your car, or a device on the side could serve you as your insurance policy.
What are the qualifications to
hold the office of Sheriff?
It’s simple. An aspiring sheriff must be a county resident
over 21. He or she also cannot practice law or serve as a
General Assembly member concurrently with this office.
How was an Interim Sheriff appointed before this upcoming
election? According to Article 1-Chapter 162 of
NC General Statutes, the board of commissioners “shall
elect a sheriff to supply the vacancy for the residue of the
term.” There is no special election.
Is it true the executive committee of the political party of
the previous Sheriff gets to decide a replacement? Not
necessarily. Article 1-Chapter 162 states certain counties
such as Beaufort, Edgecombe, Gaston, and Mecklenburg
elect a Sheriff based on the recommendation of the
party’s county executive committee. But this isn’t spelled
out as a requirement for Perquimans.
There is no legal guideline stating whether Perquimans
County Commissioners must initiate a formal hiring
process or simply appoint someone from their familiar
political sphere to replace a Sheriff vacancy.
Considering the state-mandated qualifications for an NC Sheriff, and the office is a
Constitutional position-- Should the Perquimans County Board of Commissioners have
Interviewed all applicants before filling the most recent vacancy? If only one candidate received
an interview, did the process follow the civil rights act of 1964 as amended in 1972 to include
Equal Employment Opportunity?
You decide in November. 6 2018
Early voting begins- October 17, 2018
Part 2 Tomorrow
