One Man's Personal Encounter With Village Police
- Print print this page
- Discuss 46 comments, Blog about
Advertisement
Pilot reporter Tom Embrey's recent article regarding the Pinehurst Police Department has produced several comments and reactions to the story - including The Pilot's later editorial, "An Image Problem for Village Police."
Because I have felt like a victim of the local constabularies for many months after being ticketed three times here in an 11-year period for minor offenses, and because I had developed what I can only call a hatred for the force, I sent a letter in April to Village Manager Andy Wilkison with copies to the Village Council.
Mind you, after driving safely for 60 years, I feel there was something wrong with this -picture. I really opened up with other criticisms of our boys in blue. It was a surprise when Andy called me in response to my tirade and invited me to sit down and meet with Capt. Floyd Thomas and Chief Ronnie Davis.
My first issue was the death of a Robbins man on whom two cops used a Taser. How could they kill someone without using a more humane restraint? Capt. Thomas said that Tasers don't kill. (I wondered silently, "But cops with Tasers can kill, right?")
Next, I mentioned the Pinehurst failure by the police to capture a bank robber when he was right under their nose. When the village RBC Bank's burglar alarm rang on Jan. 4, with the robber in the basement holding a teller hostage, one of our finest reportedly came along, sniffed around and saw nothing out of order. Why was he/she or they so nonchalant? Case still unsolved. Thomas and Davis replied that they're still working on it.
I then said that our cops seem to relish giving questionable -tickets, without warnings, -apparently to meet a quota. I have personally been the victim of this, with no way to appeal. Pinehurst's elderly get the brunt of some of the unfair treatment by cops, who some say will issue tickets for being 2 mph over the speed limit. The officers can be arrogant and surly.
Thomas replied that there is not a quota system and that the -average speeding ticket is 15 mph over the limit. Ticketing is totally in the hands of the officer, he said, and any incident in which there is a question of tact should be immediately reported to him.
Do Pinehurst cops ever issue warnings? I asked this because in two out of three violations I thought I deserved a warning instead of a citation. Again, Thomas replied, the officer has complete authority in this matter.
I accused the officers of crouching around outside local eating and drinking establishments, causing a serious business problem, since many people do not want to risk eating in town. Word gets out, and I know some people switch their plans from Pinehurst to other venues because of our police.
The patrol cars lined up outside a local restaurant were actually in line for fuel, according to Thomas. This was challenged by the restaurant owner when I went there for lunch one day afterwards.
The police parking lot has what seems to be double the vehicles needed for the force. Thomas convinced me that one vehicle is rightly assigned to each officer, basically because it is his own office and doubling up would create the need for the same number of cruisers as they have now.
I must say that this meeting with Andy, Capt. Thomas and Chief Davis was extremely -cordial and professional. I told Thomas that if I ever got stopped again I would tell the officer that he was my cousin.
He jokingly replied, "Then you'd really be in trouble!"
Andy Thomas lives in Pinehurst. Contact him at dahtmuth58@aol.com.
More like this story
Advertisement
Comments
ProudYankee 10 months, 3 weeks ago
When you state in your second paragraph that you have a "hatred" of the Village Police Department, it absolutely taints the remainder of your piece.
Try a little more objectivity, Mr. Thomas, and a little less sour grapes.
Courseaire 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I once saw a whole line of cops waiting outside a local eating establishment just waitng for the good paying patrons to head home - no wait, that was the local donut shop. My bad.
FightFireWithFire 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Send those cops over to my street. People use Longleaf Drive as a "shortcut" from oe side of town to another, generally don't do 25 MPH. I want the police to come over here and write some tickets. The only people I hear complaining are the ones who are doing something wrong in the first place. I am tired of people speeding through my neighborhood. I am seriously concerned about one of the children on my street being hit by a car, as visibility (hills and curves) are throughout the neighborhood. People need to act like responsible adults. Don't you think the police get tired of stopping people for speeding, especially in a neighborhood where it has been 25 for a pretty long time now??
CNMT 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I agree!!! I live off Longleaf and sit and watch the UPS, FEDEX and School Bus speed down my street daily - doing a good 35 - 40 mph in a 25 mph zone. There are kids on my street as well as some seniors who like to walk for exercise.
As to any other encounters with the Pinehurst Police Department, I have never been stopped by them but have called them on several occasions if I am concerned that something doesn't look right at a neighbor's house, etc. They have always been very cordial and polite. I appreciate them coming out to check on houses/people when called.
I agree with the others who have posted a simple truth - don't break the law and you will not have anything to worry about! It is plain and simple.
buddysmith 10 months, 3 weeks ago
i live in the same area, and you are right. if any pinehurst police officer is reading this please spend some time on longleaf dr w, one of us old folks is gonna get hurt bad one day from these richard petty wannabes
Courseaire 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Hiding in the bushes? Must be pretty big bushes, maybe the cruiser had to pee. You can't complain that you don't know the speed limit changes, since you drive by there every day. Drive the limit & they'll leave ya alone. Get caught speeding, ya pay the fine, cuz ya guilty. Dude, slow down, ya ain't no Earnhardt.
stang 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I live off Gun Club Road and am SICK of people speeding past me while I walk my dog or walk with my child who is riding his bike! If people would go the speed limit they would have nothing to worry about! I once called the cops to complain about a car speeding almost hitting me at my mailbox, the next day I received a phone call from an officer who cited her for speeding and running a stop sign! SO SLOW DOWN THIS IS NOT A SPEED WAY!
foregolf 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I have been driving for 25 years and I have been pulled for speeding 3 times. Once in Carthage where the speed limit changes from 45 to 55 (I was going 58) and I received a warning from the officer from the Sheriffs Dept. Second time I was on Morganton Rd in SP where limit changes from 45 to 35 and I received a ticket from a SP officer(I was going 46). Last time was a few months ago on Linden Rd where it changes from 45 to 35. There is no where safe to pull to the side of the road on Linden, so I lifted my hand in signal to the Pinehurst officer that I was aware that he was pulling me over and I wanted to find a safe place for us to stop (I turned onto McKenzie). Before I could turn off, he put the sirens on. When he approached my car, he had a huge attitude but I remained quiet and polite (I had 3 children in the car with me). He did give me a warning which I appreciated.
I don't understand why Pinehurst Police is the target of the residents' anger. I see other LEOs at speed traps all of the time. I also notice that many officers speed while in their vehicles without their lights on but I have not noticed Pinehursts doing that. I have not read anywhere in all of the comments on the last few articles that someone was pulled for no reason. If you don't want to deal with the Police, don't do anything wrong. Sounds pretty simple.
moorehntnfool 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I was pulled one night for no reason. At least not a good one. The cop decided it was too cold for me to have the top down on my car...how that is a matter for him I don't know.
bigD 10 months, 3 weeks ago
perhaps he thought your car was stolen
moorehntnfool 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Are you the cop that bothered me that night? Why would you assume it was stolen?
bigD 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Why would he think your car was stolen...lets see a rag top down in the middle of the winter looks a lot like a juvy prank that why!
moorehntnfool 10 months, 3 weeks ago
did i say middle of winter? you are the cop...i can tell by your tendency to make assumptions. hmm, what is that saying?
bigD 10 months, 3 weeks ago
alright so you said cold not winter. Are you willing to accept a reasonable possibility or not?
moorehntnfool 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I don't think its reasonable to get stopped for no reason. The car obviously had not been reported stolen, no infractions had been committed. You just wanted to harass someone so you flashed your lights and had your little minute of power.
Sean 10 months, 3 weeks ago
My sister was once stopped because the officer thought her tail lights were not bright enough. Cops get bored!
Bigguy 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Three tickets in elevan years, not that many if you ask me. What does someone getting tasered in Robbins have to do with Pinehurst Police? Do you know the circumstances surrounding the tasing? I doubt it. It has been 20 years since my last Pinehurst ticket, that I deserved. Mr. Thomas you have the right of free speach to voice your opinions. But I also have the right to call you a cranky old man! The cops relish in giving out tickets, what, have you seen them giving eachother "Hi fives". That is the most stupid thing I have heard.
isthereanyjustice 10 months, 2 weeks ago
If you would have read the article - that was his first issue with the boys in blue. I was wondering if anyone remembered that case. It has been over two months and they are still working on the case. Still trying to cover up killing an innocent man who went to the hospital for help and the cops helped him to death.
Cosmo4slice 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Don't you get it, the people of Pinehurst, think they have a God given right to make their own rules, because they live in Pinehurst. They think their above the rest of the county, because of their Golf Courses and retired stuck up citizens. I haven't never been pulled over in Pinehurst, because I don't break the law. I go through there all the time. But, I have been pulled in SP, and got a tickey for no seat beat. I forgot to buckle it after going into Wal-Greens. It was my fault, I took the ticket, and was polite to the policeman, paid my fine and that was the end of it.
CNMT 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I am not sure what makes you think that the "people of Pinehurst" are making all these rules. I live in Pinehurst and am not necessarily thrilled with all the rules either - but I knew they existed when I chose to move here and I have accepted them. If I didn't like the rules, I could have chosen to live elsewhere.
invmc 10 months, 3 weeks ago
In an evil plot to sell more cars and turn a profit, car manufacturers equip vehicles with a working brake system. NC operates under what is known as absolute speed law. This broken down into simple terms means if the sign displays Speed Limit 55, then the speed limit is, surprise, 55! Whether anyone likes it or not, you can be ticketed for 2 mph over. Does this happen? I would hate to think so. Would I like to be stopped for such a petty infraction? No. Typically agencies issue STATE CITATIONS for 10-15 mph over the posted limit. That's plenty of slack. Yes, I'm a Police Officer and I'D be the first one to call out another officer for giving someone a ticket for 2 mph over. There seem to be a lot of bad attitudes and negative opinions toward law enforcement on these blogs. Freedom of speech aside, people need to realize that often times they end up talking themselves INTO a ticket. If I stop you for 15 mph over and theres nothing else wrong and you have a clean driving record, you're probably gonna drive away with a written warning. But if you're hanging out of your window yelling back at me before I even get up to your vehicle, wanting to know why I stopped you and calling me every name in the book because you're upset that you got caught, you're most likely gonna drive away with a citation, however, I will be polite in my issuance of same.
Sean 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I have had a few discussions with Pinehurst police; they have always been polite and professional. Whispering Pines officers are a different story. It is hard to take a condescending attitude from anyone who is paid with tax funds. More so a police officer who looks about 19 and not very imposing. A bit off topic, sorry for that.
hollywood 10 months, 3 weeks ago
@ Sean... "It is hard to take a condescending attitude from anyone who is paid with tax funds."
I see you have COMMON SENSE issues.....ever thought that the officer pays taxes just like you?
Bigguy 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I personally know each of the Whispering Pines Police Officers, nice bunch. I got pulled over once by them for twelve miles over the speedlimit, was given a warning ticket. Thanked him alot and have watched my speed there ever since. What is it with this attitude with anyone that is paid with "tax funds"?. Quit referring to to people who do public service as the enemy. Judges, police officers, teachers and many others are not the problem. Imagine a society without public servants.
Sean 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Bigguy, you personally know each of the Whispering Pines Police Officers? Or you've met them? there is a difference. Everyone can have a bad day, everyone gets bored sometimes too. I was polite to the officer - silly not to be - but he was not polite to me. He spoke to me as if I was a child when I am probably twice his age.
I refer to officers as "officer" or "Sir", and speak in a respectful tone. It shows I respect the position. It also shows I am not gonna give this officer any problems. I don't need a lecture or to answer asinine questions when I am pulled over. I know I was speeding, he knew I was speeding. I was not driving unsafely. Write the ticket or tell me to keep the speed down and let me be on my way.
Public Servant is a terrible title. But the bottom line is my taxes and yours pay for the services that the police provide. I wouldn't want to get rid of them. But this individual is not being paid to swagger and harrass citizens, and that is exactly what he was doing.
Bigguy 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Yes I do know them personally. See and talk to them at least twice a week. Have never seen them swagger or harass. And I will admit I have a heavy foot and have had to pay our hard working attorney's a considerable amount of money over the time. 1 ticket in the past ten years, I was in the wrong, and the Southern Pines Police officer treated me with respect.
NocOwl 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Sean said "I know I was speeding, he knew I was speeding. I was not driving unsafely."
I had to laugh at that. Speeding IS driving unsafely. Going too fast is the cause of a great many car accidents, and speed is also an indicator of how serious an injury is likely to be in a crash. That is why there are speed limits.
Just saying.
Sean 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Not true at all NocOwl.
The 55 MPH national speed limit was enacted in the 70s to conserve gasoline. It is no longer the national limit, but it remains an issue for environmental groups because they want to reduce greenhouse gasses. It is less safe to drive 55 on the interstate today than it is to drive 70.
Another thing to consider is that many speed limits were established long ago when the road had a different use, when the area was less or more populated. They are outdated.
In addition in many states there is a state maximum speed limit for any state road that has a residence on it. I lived in FL. for a while and it is 35 MPH. So the speed limit on many straight, flat, 4 lane roads with an unpaved median and a shoulder is 35. It is a blanket law that has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with politics.
Don’t let others do your thinking for you NocOwl. Just because a politician makes a law doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do, or that they have safety in mind.
NocOwl 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I speak from professional experience. If you think speed is not a factor in the type or degree of injury you are more likely to suffer, or inflict on others, hopefully you will do some research and change your habits. Or at least not be driving on the same roads at the same time as me or my family.
hollywood 10 months, 3 weeks ago
@ Sean..... You need to do more research because the garbage coming out of your mouth is bull. I suggest you do more research on speed limits and WHY they were created. It was for safety reasons, COMMON SENSE! You are correct to say that they were changed to AID in emmisions but the reason they were introduced, even before motor vehicles, was to decrease the probability of serious injury during a crash. AGAIN, the higher the speed = increases the probability of the seriousness of an injury
Bflat 10 months, 3 weeks ago
The writer expressed concerns in writing and also during his meeting with Andy and Capt Thomas. He got direct answers to those concerns but to me, something seems to be missing. What was really accomplished in the meeting? That cops were lined up to get fuel instead of staking out a local watering hole or eatery certainly gives me a visual image of sorts and seems rather absurd. . Just how many had to get fuel all at the same time? If average tickets are 15mph over, then I would be concerned on Linden Rd... or even on Gun Club Dr and Longleaf E where I've nearly been run over by those flying down hills and crossing middle of road around curves. As to big, bad attitudes by the police, that leaves a lot of be explained. Perhaps all could just try the sweet as pie with huge big smile when giving out a ticket. Wouldn't that almost add sarcasm to the event?
mooremedic 10 months, 3 weeks ago
don't have a dog in this fight but I will let everyone know that the fuel pumps for Pinehurst PD are at the town maintenance facility on McCaskill RD. This is directly across from Linda's Cafe and right behind the Tater Barn....the LT. usually opens the gate around 6:15 or 6:30 and all the officers (3 or 4 patrol cars at most) come into the pumps to refuel prior to shift change at 7pm....now if anyone doubts this or wants to check it out, please come by the fuel pumps am or pm, and see this amazing feat in action....in all honesty I sure hope there aren't too many drunks leaving the Tater Barn at this early an hour that someone would worry they're being "ganged" up on.....WOW.
imavoter 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I've got no problem with any of the police departments around here concerning the enforcement of speeding laws. I generally try to drive the speed limit. What I do have a problem with are the increasing numbers of aggressive drivers who are on my bumper trying to intimidate me into driving faster than the limit and those who pass unsafely just so they can get where they are going a little faster. More power to the police for enforcing the speed limits.
CNMT 10 months, 3 weeks ago
AMEN
coffecreme 10 months, 3 weeks ago
At the end of the day it is a known fact that the Pinehurst Police do have an image problem otherwise this would not be in the paper at least 3 times this year. They have one definite overlyaggressive angry officer who is nasty and belligerent that is a well known fact.
isthereanyjustice 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Would you please give me this police officer's name?
Flabbergasted 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Im 99.9% sure I know exactly which one your talking about, and I agree with you!!! And I know if he's reading this, he knows exactly who we are talking about!
thedude82 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I have seen this behavior from the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen police departments. They do sit outside restaurants and clubs waiting for people to leave. The atmosphere in this county seems to be that this is acceptable. I believe if we do want this to change we are going to have to make some changes at the top. Please remember this when it comes time to vote. We expect law enforcement to do their jobs in the correct manner.
invmc 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I respect your opinion, but what exactly do you mean by "doing their jobs in the correct manner"? Sounds to me like you're saying that people deserve a fair chance to drive home intoxicated. This happens everywhere, not just Moore County. It's called proactive policing, or in lamens terms, attempting to keep drunk drivers off the road. It's really simple, if you're going to frequent these establishments, then you should be willing to deal with what goes with it. Bottom line is, if you havent had too much to drink or you have a designated driver, then why are worried about a cop being in the area?
Yankee69 10 months, 3 weeks ago
It sure is easy to be emotional when WE are caught. But logically they are doing there job. Sometimes our sense of entitlement clouds reason. A couple of weeks back i was driving on Monticello dr. the most narrow of roads. I was behind two vehicles one being a landscaping truck who must have been looking for an address. Two cars were behind me. The truck stop mind you on a dime no blinker or brake lights as told to me by the lady i bumped into. I was going maybe 25 but my vehicle could not stop on a dime and i couldn't avoid the vehicle in front of me because i would have hit a house. I am sorry to the poor shaken up lady and her passenger in front of me. Thank God everybody was ok. Pinehurst Police officer Tew was there in a jiffy, polite and explained why i was given a ticket. I didn't scream, jump up and down. I was in the wrong even though the landscaping truck caused the debackle. I drive more than 70k a year and this was the first ticket in 10 years. I used logic not emotion when dealing with MY mistake.
trod2009 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I know personally two different totally seperate people that have been pulled in pinehurst with no reason at all just that it was late at night? They were asked what they were doing out so late hmmmm... when did being out late become a crime??
moorehntnfool 10 months, 2 weeks ago
According to the BigD, cars traveling through the Village late at night are assumed to be stolen. Evidently Pinehurst residents are asleep by 9, so if their cars are on the road they must be driven by a scofflaw.
trod2009 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Oh I didnt mention both incidents occured last week :(
FightFireWithFire 10 months, 2 weeks ago
You do know that there is still a curfew? Were these people teens?
Cosmo4slice 10 months, 3 weeks ago
This happens in every town across the country, the LEO's staking out the Clubs. How many drunk drivers come out of the local Church funtion???? I was almost killed by a Drunk Driver, I would not object to them giving a breathalizer test when you exited the Bar.
carlj1161 10 months, 3 weeks ago
The police are in a bad situation...They're "darned if they do" " darned if the don't" but that's how it always is. I agree when we get stopped it's always annoying and emotional, some people it just scares them. But when you get stopped that's no excuse for disrespect on the part of the police or the "stopped person" One does not put up with that disrespect from people when you go to a restaurant or a well known "home store" why should you put up with it from a police officer. Get the officers name and contact the chief directly. The hope is, he would notice a pattern. But what seems to be so obvious from all the comments is the Police Department has a public relations problem. For a police department that is a major issue, it affects their ability to do a quality job. The bottom line is, RESPECT goes a long way on both sides.
thedude82 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I was not being emotional in my comment. In most of these situations that people write about in their posts they deserved a ticket. Why is it a sense of entitlement to expect police officers to do their jobs correctly? Most police officers are good people who are doing a tough job that honestly I would probably not be willing to do. This is a case of a couple of bad apples getting the press like we see on CNN. I do not drink. I do not go to bars or clubs. I do not support drinking and driving. I do believe in protecting the rights of Americans.
canadianguy55 10 months, 2 weeks ago
We come down to golf the Pinehurst area every March/April from Ottawa Canada. We have heard about the strict enforcement by the police from the locals at the Pinehurst pubs. We have been lucky enough to find deals at Pinehurst resort so we didn't have to worry about who was the DD. This past April though we stayed at the Homewood. On the second to last night I told the front desk that they should have a shuttle to the village. When do you want to leave she said. Well, they gave us a ride in and we took a cab back. Cabs were everywhere. $10 flat rate anywhere in the area. Problem solved.
We do notice and overbundance of police on the roads though for such a small village. We have never been pulled over but we watch our speed carefully. This past April at the front of the Homewood we ran into a group of 8 who just arrived from Ireland. They had an open case of beer and were just sitting in the chairs drinking when the police pulled right up front. I thought for sure they were going to get nabbed. In Ottawa, that would be drinking in public. Instead they just had a nice conversation and the police wished them a happy vacation. We will be back again.
FightFireWithFire 10 months, 2 weeks ago
I think that you hit the nail on the head! Most of the people complaining about the police in this area are from the area. They know the laws (or should, by now) and are annoyed that they cannot just "do as they please". Too bad. If you don't like it here, find somewhere else to go. We won't miss you, trust me!
invmc 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Well said! Behavior like this tends to happen in towns / cities that like to refer to themselves as a "village". Small town politics at work once again. It is typical in small towns that some people think that they are above the law just because they are residents of that town. They'll call in to the Police Dept. and complain about cars speeding through their neighborhood or street, but as soon as they get pulled over and ticketed for the same thing, they're sitting in the Chief's office complaining. These are also the same people that drop their kids off at the local movie theater and expect the police to babysit them. No one wants to take responsibility anymore. It's always someone elses fault.