Transparency-CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The last two days I have posted about my pledge to be as transparent as any Sheriff has been when it comes to how I will operate my Agency. On my Monday Musing, I discussed my ongoing proposal to be transparent and what I will do to ensure that we are.

On Tuesday I put forth a hypothetical situation that is very real and could happen in the Macon County Detention Center. I was not accusing anyone of anything improper. This particular scenario, if present, could subject us to a lawsuit if it did happen. I wanted to highlight a potential real situation, so that you as a citizen, can see how it would apply. As I predicted, the usual people started to attack me over the hypothetical post that did not accuse anyone.

Included in this post is the bill summary from the North Carolina State Legislature of SB 473 - Enhanced Local Gov’t Transparency. If applicable, the person who violates this law (signed by the Governor and effective 12/1/21) would be subject to a criminal charge of a Class 1 Misdemeanor. If our Jail Administrator is in violation, I am pretty sure it is only because he is unaware of this bill. In order to accuse someone of a crime I would have to see intent. I do not see this at this time.

My point with all of this is as Sheriff, we MUST keep abreast of all the laws and ensure we are in compliance with those provisions. I would expect any candidate for office to follow the laws, including the new ones, and ensure we know which ones may be applicable to our agency. I found this by following the NC Sheriff’s Association page. They published it.

Transparency-CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The last two days I have posted about my pledge to be as transparent as any Sheriff has been when it comes to how I will operate my Agency. On my Monday Musing, I discussed my ongoing proposal to be transparent and what I will do to ensure that we are.

On Tuesday I put forth a hypothetical situation that is very real and could happen in the Macon County Detention Center. I was not accusing anyone of anything improper. This particular scenario, if present, could subject us to a lawsuit if it did happen. I wanted to highlight a potential real situation, so that you as a citizen, can see how it would apply. As I predicted, the usual people started to attack me over the hypothetical post that did not accuse anyone.

Included in this post is the bill summary from the North Carolina State Legislature of SB 473 - Enhanced Local Gov’t Transparency. If applicable, the person who violates this law (signed by the Governor and effective 12/1/21) would be subject to a criminal charge of a Class 1 Misdemeanor. If our Jail Administrator is in violation, I am pretty sure it is only because he is unaware of this bill. In order to accuse someone of a crime I would have to see intent. I do not see this at this time.

My point with all of this is as Sheriff, we MUST keep abreast of all the laws and ensure we are in compliance with those provisions. I would expect any candidate for office to follow the laws, including the new ones, and ensure we know which ones may be applicable to our agency. I found this by following the NC Sheriff’s Association page. They published it.

#maconcounty, #maconcountysheriff, #highlands, #nantahala

Non-Profits

Yesterday I put out a Monday Musing that talked about my deputies not holding a position on their board of directors. I want to state that I AM NOT ACCUSING ANYONE OF ANYTHING! I would like to submit that the following hypothetical scenario is a real possibility:

Let’s just say that a piece of mail was received for inmate Smith. The envelope had a return address with the name “Frank” from ABC Counseling Service. We know that Frank is a counselor that frequently enters the detention center for counseling services. Upon opening the mail, it was discovered that there was a narcotic substance hidden within the letter. My Jail Administrator just happens to be one of the board of directors for ABC Counseling Services. According to my policies the mail is supposed to be forwarded to the jail administrator. That jail administrator then is supposed to ensure an investigation is conducted. But what if no formal investigation is completed? What if the envelope is tossed into a drawer and ignored? What if the drugs never made it to the property room as evidence? But yet, Frank the counselor is allowed to come and go within the jail to conduct his counseling, unfettered without searches of his person or items carried with him.

My question is this, if the Jail Administrator failed in his or her duties, what would it look like? What if an inmate suffered from a drug overdose while an inmate. I can tell you what it looked like. It looked like the Jail Administrator failed to do his duties because of his position on the board. It would look like the Jail Administrator is part of the conspiracy to import drugs into the detention facility. Real or imagine it gives the image of impropriety. Real or imagined, it could cost you the citizens a lot of money in a lawsuit. Isn’t it much easier to be proactive and not place ourselves into this position? That is that type of leader we need as Sheriff.

#maconcounty, #maconcountysheriff

As your Sheriff,

“I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession… law enforcement.

I will take ownership of my conduct and that of those who work for me. That is what leaders do.

As your Sheriff,

“I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.”

Again, words I live by.