Village Police Defend Traffic Policies
Pinehurst police officer Joe Whitlock approaches a vehicle after making a traffic stop. Photo by Hannah Sharpe
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The Pinehurst Police Department has been the target of complaints that its approach to traffic enforcement has hurt business and given the village an unfavorable reputation.
But the allegations seem to have declined in the past couple of years. And Capt. Floyd Thomas vehemently denies that the department is too zealous in enforcing laws — and especially that its officers lie in wait to entrap drunken drivers.
Dan Berry, former owner of the Magnolia Inn, has frequently criticized actions of village police in the past.
“Even before the economy turned south,” he said, “the biggest negative surrounding the village was the police activity. It was like entrapment. The problem is, the perception by a lot of customers is that they were being targeted.”
Berry owned the Magnolia Inn from April 2006 to February of this year. He said the constant police presence and the frequent stopping of guests by officers eroded his business.
“On a Friday or Saturday night,” he said, “people would come in the Magnolia Inn, and outside the police would circle the wagons, so to speak, and you’d have to figure out how to escape Alcatraz. It made a difference, a significant impact. ... It could be Game 7 of the World Series, and people would be talking about the police. It got to the point where I was managing against it.”
Berry said the problems were at their worst in 2008 and into 2009, after which they declined sharply.
“The last year and a half, the police have been fine, but the reputation has lingered,” he said. “That reputation might take a few more years to wear off.”
Responding to what he called unfair rumors and allegations, Thomas countered that his department receives daily complaints from Pinehurst residents who call to demand that something be done about speeders or drivers running stop signs. Asked if he thought the department was getting a bum rap, he replied, “I do. I honestly do.”
The full text of The Pilot’s interview with Thomas appears on page B1 of today’s Pilot.
During a period of nearly five years from June 1, 2006, to April 31, 2011, Pinehurst police issued 18,226 citations. About a third, or 6,045, were for speeding. Less than 3 percent were for driving while impaired. The department issued 485 DWI arrests/citations over that period. That is 8.4 per month, or about two per weekend.
During the same period, Aberdeen reported 555 DWI citations, and Southern Pines had 454.
Last year, the Pinehurst Police Department reported 100 DWIs. There were 99 in 2009 and 122 in 2008.
During the period examined by The Pilot, the number of DWIs in Pinehurst ranked behind expired registration (1,382), inspection violation (1,015), seat belt violations (896), no driver’s license (700), driving while license revoked (713), unsafe movement (625) and no insurance (520).
Aberdeen recorded 27,400 traffic enforcement actions during the same period. Of those, 8,136, or nearly 30 percent, were for speeding. In Southern Pines, police recorded 16,635 total stops during that time frame.
Southern Pines attorney Arthur Donadio said Pinehurst is not overly represented on the court docket when it comes to DWIs. But he added, “It seems Pinehurst has a reputation for a particular style of enforcement. I’d say that makes local folks nervous.”
Donadio also said he has spoken to people in other resort areas like Hilton Head, S.C., and people there have told him they have heard about Pinehurst’s reputation.
“It’s starting to get around among corporate retreat planners that (the) Pinehurst (police) have a reputation of picking off low-hanging fruit when you go down there to play golf,” he said.
Lying in Wait?
Still some believe Pinehurst officers park near local restaurants and bars at night and wait for patrons to leave those establishmentsso they can pull them over as they drive home.
“They (Pinehurst police officers) do everything they can to get you,” said Steve Pattison, owner of the The Darling House Pub.
Pattison, who got a DWI last year and currently lacks a driver’s license, said his customers and employees — some of whom don’t drink — have been followed to their homes from the restaurant, which is located downtown.
“They are waiting for you to make that one mistake,” he said.
It is an assertion that Thomas flatly denies.
“We’ve specifically told the officers not to do that,” he said, when asked whether his officers park near restaurants and wait for customers to leave. He said officers routinely patrol the downtown area, and in the early morning hours, officers get out of their cars and check to make sure business doors are secured. He said officers do park their squad cars when they conduct foot patrols.
But Donadio said Pinehurst’s aggressive policy creates anxiety within the village.
“You will always have a tension in a place like Pinehurst that bills itself as a resort destination, between wanting to be welcoming and having a vigorous enforcement policy,” he said.
Pattison said he met with police and village officials about a year and a half ago to voice his concern. He said things improved for a few months but then returned to the way they had been.
Bobby Cary, general manager of the Hickory Tavern in Southern Pines, said he is aware of Pinehurst’s reputation.
“The consensus is this (Pinehurst) is the town that’s not one for drinking and driving, which isn’t a bad thing,” Cary said.
He said his restaurant has a list of area taxis that employees call when they feel a patron needs a ride home if he or she has had too much to drink. They will even pay for the ride if the patron cannot.
“We want our customers to come back,” he said.
Many residents say they are wary of having even one drink and then driving through Pinehurst.
“I know the reputation,” said Ashley Molloy. “If I have a drink, I don’t drive.”
Molloy, a Pinehurst resident, said a DWI would cause her to lose her job.
“There have been times when I have walked home from the Pine Crest (Inn),” she said.
‘Complicated Process’
In a drinking-and-driving case, impairment is determined by the concentration of alcohol in the blood, or BAC. For instance, a BAC of 0.10 means one-tenth of 1 percent of a person’s blood is alcohol.
For drivers at or above the legal drinking age of 21, a BAC of .08 is considered legally impaired. It is illegal for any persons under age 21 to have any alcohol in their system and drive a vehicle.
Donadio said newcomers or visitors learn pretty quickly that North Carolina’s DWI laws are tougher than those in a lot of states.
He said more people are being nabbed for DWI as the impairment threshold decreases and law-enforcement efforts to prevent impaired driving increase.
Thomas said the department doesn’t keep records on the average BAC for those charged with DWI, but he estimated it to be between .10 and .15.
Processing a DWI from the initial stop through its completion can be lengthy.
“An average (DWI) stop takes about two hours,” Thomas said.
That time frame is typical for other departments as well.
When a vehicle is stopped and a driver is suspected of being impaired, officers put him or her through a series of roadside tests to assess the driver’s condition.
Officers most commonly administer three tests. In one, the individuals are instructed to walk a straight line by placing one foot in front of another in a heel-to-toe fashion. They are instructed to count their steps aloud and keep their hands by their sides, not using them to balance themselves.
Another test involves balance. Individuals are asked to stand with their feet together and then lift one foot six inches off the ground, balancing on the other
Most nonimpaired individuals with no confining health issues should be able to balance on one foot for at least 30 seconds, said Pinehurst Master Patrol Officer Joseph Whitlock.
The third test is an eye check, in which the officer stands in front of the subject and asks him or her to follow the officer’s finger or an object such as a pen, without moving the head.
Other tests can be administered. Whitlock said he will ask individuals to recite the alphabet.
“A nonimpaired driver should easily be able to recite their ABCs,” he said.
Drivers suspected of being impaired are taken to have their BAC tested. They can have their blood tested at the hospital, or they can blow into an Intoximeter that measures the level.
By law, the individual is allowed to call a witness for the test. The witness has 30 minutes to arrive before the test is administered. The test is given twice, with the lower number being official.
After the test is completed, the individual is taken before a magistrate.
During a recent ride-along with a Pinehurst police officer, one driver was stopped after his truck twice crossed the center line on N.C. 5. The male driver was stopped at just after 1:10 a.m. He was given a field sobriety test, and it was determined that he was impaired. He was transported back to the station, where he was read his rights, given the chance to call a witness and given a chance to submit to an intoximeter breath test or a blood test.
The driver chose the breath test.
It took nearly two hours before the driver was transported to the magistrate’s office in Carthage to be charged.
Master Patrol Officer Todd Manness handled that one incident for more than two hours.
“When I get back (from the magistrate’s office), I’ll have another two hours worth of paperwork to fill out,” he said. “It’s a complicated process.”
No Edicts
In Pinehurst, officers work 12-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. During each shift, a team of officers patrols the roads. The team, when fully operational, consists of three patrol officers, a sergeantand a lieutenant. Teams patrol three different zones within the village. One officer patrols one of the three zones, while the supervisors “float” through zones.
If an officer is off for training, one of the superiors will slide into the vacant zone, leaving just one higher-ranking officer to patrol and support.
In addition, the officers utilize a portable traffic speed trailer that is placed at different locations around the village. Often it is set up when residents request it because they say drivers are speeding through the neighborhood.
Officers estimate they drive between 50 and 100 miles during day shift and more during the night.
Thomas has said he encourages his officers to enforce traffic laws “aggressively.”
“What I mean by aggressive is, if the officer sees a traffic violation and they can safely stop the vehicle, they should,” he said. “If they don’t have a pending call to go to, they should safely stop the vehicle. Now it’s up to the officer to determine whether they give a written warning or a verbal warning or if they actually issue a citation.”
Thomas said there is no edict from him or Police Chief Ronnie Davis that says officers have to write a certain number of tickets.
Officers say their job is to influence behavior, especially actions that can be deemed unsafe. That, they say, can be done in a variety of ways, including issuing citations or verbal warnings.
“If you know a verbal warning will do the job just as well as a citation to get them to slow down, then there’s not anything wrong with that,” Maness said.
Just driving around and being seen can cause residents to change behavior, officers said.
Maness has been with the department nearly five years. In that time, he said, he has heard plenty of excuses and stories by motorists trying to get out of tickets.
“Truthfully, honesty is the best way to go,” he said.
Squad cars are equipped with video cameras that record incidents. Those cameras are automatically activated when an officer turns on his lights.
Thomas said that when a person lodges a complaint, the video of the incident is reviewed.
Lt. Ricky Gooch, who has been on the force for 20 years, believes some of the perceived problems that residents have with the department arise because some people just don’t like being told what to do.
He said officers are taught to be respectful in dealing with the public. He said some officers are friendly, while others are more matter-of-fact, but that some people get upset no matter what.
“Some folks aren’t going to be happy no matter how you talk to them,” he said.
Or as Maness puts it, “‘Your officer gave me a ticket, and that’s not cool.’ That’s what it boils down to.”
Contact Tom Embrey at tembrey@thepilot.com.
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Comments
respect 11 months, 1 week ago
If you don't break the law, you have nothing to worry about. Some people think they are above the law and the laws do not pertain to them.
jcinaberdeen 11 months, 1 week ago
I agree whole-heartedly.
pjjinsp 11 months, 1 week ago
I can't believe anybody with a brain is complaning about getting drunks off the road.
MisterG 11 months, 1 week ago
"If you don't break the law, you have nothing to worry about." ...pretty common attitude amongst people who aren't having to deal with over-zealous policing.
herecomesthescience 11 months, 1 week ago
AMEN! Or dealing with being stopped with questions like "where are you going, and where are you coming from?", not being stopped for any violation, or doing anything wrong...that is why there are complaints. If I am abiding the law and going about my business, they should not stop me and ask for my papers!
Poundman 11 months, 1 week ago
Aberdeen police are the worse. They hound you for running three miles over the limit then bring an attitude to the car when they pull you over.
MonkeyJunction 11 months, 1 week ago
My wife got stopped and given a citation because her headlight was out .....a real safety concern at 5:30 in the afternoon/early evening. Way to go Barney! That's why this area gets such a bad reputation.
Poundman 11 months, 1 week ago
That's why the police get their reputation. This story only paints the positive.
recondo 11 months, 1 week ago
The only bad thing i have to say about pinehurst pd is the fact that they will stop a driver for DWNFP. Driving while not from pinehurst and whispering pines pd also has this same problem but if it results in a single drunk driver being taken off the street i have no problem dealing with it... because in the end if your legal your legal and you will be let go. Im a local been here all my life and have learned to expect to be stopped if you drive through either area without the little village tags or window stickers and just avoid the areas all together unless i have specific business there.....
FightFireWithFire 11 months, 1 week ago
"Im a local been here all my life and have learned to expect to be stopped if you drive through either area without the little village tags or window stickers and just avoid the areas all together unless i have specific business there....."
I have never seen or heard of this. My husband and I are both military (I am retired now) and neither one of us really has the slightest interest in golf. So we don't have any of that silly Pinehurst stuff on our car. People outside of NC barely know what or where Pinehurst is unless they watch golf regularly. I never heard of the place until I transferred to Ft.Bragg. I don't think that those little plates or stickers make any difference at all. I have personally seen several of those on the front of cars that were stopped (allegedly) for speeding or some other infraction.
I think that people will just complain here because it is a small town and unlike NYC where I am originally from, police here have a smaller area to patrol, so they are seen more often. Of course, I never saw a police officer in my neighborhood growing up, but we didn't have people breaking in cars and houses and constant complaints about barking dogs, either.
Steve 11 months, 1 week ago
I was pulled over for leaving the tatter Barn and checked out. I do not drink beer and he could give me no reason for pulling me over Other than where I just left. I received no ticket after about 15 or twenty min. The attitude was unreal.
eddennison 11 months, 1 week ago
What are the little village tags and the window stickers? I have lived in Pinehurst for 7 years and can't remember seeing them. I know I do not have any on my car.
jcinaberdeen 11 months, 1 week ago
I have a question...out of pure curiosity...How many drinks does it usually take for the average-sized person to reach the legal limit of alcohol? (I rarely drink, by the way, and never if I am driving.)
DaveyNC 11 months, 1 week ago
1, maybe 2 depending on how big you are, etc.
xemrac 11 months, 1 week ago
That's grossly incorrect....
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Your right DaveyNC is grossly incorrect unless jcinaberdeen is 50 pounds. To answer jcinaberedeens question is it depends on a lot of things including your weight, matabolisim, whether or not you have eaten, and even if you are male or female can be a factor. An AVERAGE 180 pound male that eats a meal will get to .08 with 4 or 5 servings in one hour. An average serving is a 12oz. beer a 9oz, glass of wine or a shot of hard liquor. Now other things can effect this such as drugs (legal and illegal) but these do not effect the persons BAC just their impairment level. So if anyone says they only had 2 beers and got a DWI they are not being truthfull.
CNMT 11 months, 1 week ago
Not sure where you get your info xemrac, but I was always led to believe that the average weight adult (150 lbs) will be intoxicated if they drink more than one 12 ounce beer, 4 ounce glass of wine or 1 ounce shot of liquor an hour. Some people might be able to "handle" their booze better than others, although that is usually just their own opinion.
I agree with the people who have stated if one does nothing wrong, one has nothing to worry about. I have been stopped by the police in other states for "no apparent reason" but obviously the officer thought there was one. I have never been cited by those officers because there was no reason to cite me. Usually get an apology from the officer and told to have a nice day. Minor inconvenience to me and I go on my way. One time I was pulling a trailer and the back of the trailer wiggled a little when I changed lanes - the officer was concerned that I was tired or there was something physically wrong with the vehicle (tire pressure, axle, etc.) After chatting with me and checking out the vehicle he sent me on my way. I actually appreciated the fact that he was concerned for my welfare!
Obey the speed limit, drive safely, register/inspect your vehicle, etc and you should not have to worry about being stopped!!! And if you are, I hope the officer is just concerned for your well being and wishes you a nice day too!
DaveyNC 11 months, 1 week ago
http://dui.drivinglaws.org/drink-table.php
buckmark 11 months, 1 week ago
Notice how the Pinehurst PD only target private vechicles and not the shuttles busses ran by the resort. Stop a shuttle and see how many golfers are drinking on them. Last time i looked NC had a open container law on the books. Would this not apply?
2centsworth 11 months, 1 week ago
To buckmark: Are those drunk golfers you mentioned on the shuttle buses driving the buses? Unless they are they aren't breaking the law but instead doing the smart thing and getting someone else to drive them to their destination instead of being on the road themselves.
paul746 11 months ago
All Pinehurst shuttles are licensed as "For Hire." Which legally allows for the passengers to have open alcohol containers in the rear passenger area.
wbearp 11 months, 1 week ago
I think the biggest problem is that these guys have little else to do other than traffic. If they answered a bunch of calls they would have little desire or time to write a bunch of tickets. That said serious traffic violations (DWI, excessive speed, reckless driving) are a public safety issue. As far as the minor traffic violations most times a warning ticket will get the persons attention just as much as a citation. They look similar to citations, and if they can change the persons behavior without points or fine they serve a useful purpose. Overall I am thankful for law enforcement and the Pinehurst Police Department.It just seems to me that some of them need a lesson on using common sense and discretion.
theunit 11 months, 1 week ago
Sounds to me like this guy, and the majority of his police department are highway patrol trooper want to bees. Does a small 27 person police department in a resort community need a traffic unit? In my professional opinion the answer is absolutely not. With the advertisement for a new police chief comes the opportunity for this small resort village PD to realize a culture shift. My application is on its way!
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Sounds like you are already against the department even without doing your homework. they do not have a traffic team by they way. nor did you read the article where it says they receive a lot of complaints about traffic problems such as speeding etc....
truthmatterstome2 11 months, 1 week ago
It is obvious when the Pinehurst cops have been given instructions to up their ticket numbers. Whether there is an official directive, or not, there is certainly extra effort being exercised. One of the most glaring examples is when there is a parked cop radar car on Monticello near hwy 5 and a second radar car parked on hwy 5 just south of the intesection of Blake Blvd and hwy 5. This happens very often. It happens so often that I'm surprised that there isn't a sign "Police Parking Only". I travel that route daily and expect to see those cop cars at least 1/3rd of the time. I also find it interesting that the Chief (former) stated that there is no effort to provide extra effort to issue tickets at the borders of the village. If that's true, then officers should not need to be in Jackson Hamlet or turning around at the shopping center (Which is in Aberdeen).
Don't get me wrong, I fully endorse keeping the highways safe. But I contend that, in Pinehurst, the best way to keep the streets safe is to pull the license from the retirees who never had a drivers license until they migrated to Pinehurst.
Flabbergasted 11 months, 1 week ago
You are so right! Also on other borders like Morganton at CCNC and on 15-501 at the entrance at No. 7. Even at Hwy 5 right at 211 this sit there on all corners of the borders. This is what our tourist see. Not a good first impression. Supposed to be a quaint relaxed town, instead of a police state. SHAME
moorehntnfool 11 months, 1 week ago
A few years ago I was delivering a newspaper out of my convertible. It was easier to throw papers with the top down, so if I could stand it I would put on a sweatshirt and make my run in the cold. I was stopped just outside the village on my way to pick up the papers. I was asked if it was my car and why I had the top down. That was it. That was his reason for stopping me, because he thought the weather was too cool to have the top open. But no, they aren't out harassing people.
theunit 11 months, 1 week ago
I am glad I can't afford a convertible.
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
If its cold out and you are driving a convertable that would seem odd to me also. It appears you were stopped, you explained why you had the top down and then let go, correct? Whats the problem? How is this harassment? the police are there to investigate suspicious behavior, they did, found out it was okay and let you go. Again whats the problem?
MonkeyJunction 11 months, 1 week ago
That's the very definition of harassment! Stopping someone just because Barney thinks it's too cold to be riding in a convertible. Even a monkey knows that!
Yukonjohn 11 months, 1 week ago
Saturn, please read the 4th Amendment. Also gazing at the 5th would not hurt. Police have NO reason to stop you just because you are doing something that THEY think is odd. That is harrassment. Like l have said, if they stop me, it needs to be for breaking the law, not to be questioned about their curiousities of my actions.
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Monkey Junction im not sure what dictionary you use but that is not the definition that i have read. and Yukonjohn I am very familier with the Constitution and you both are absolutly wrong. it is the job of law enforcement to check on things that are out of the ordinary its called reasonable suspicion.
BugsyinPH 11 months, 1 week ago
Which is it people? A safe community where the police enforce the laws? Or a community where we can speed and ignore the traffic laws. Do we really want people leaving our local bars drunk and killing someone? Or is it a good thing we have a reputation where drunken driving is not tolerated? I am constantly amazed at the attitude towards the police in this community. When it is your wife or child who is killed by some drunken fool, will your attitude change? Or will you be writing letters to The Pilot complaining about the lack of enforcement of the traffic laws?
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Finally someone with sense!!! I completly agree with you!!
theunit 11 months, 1 week ago
saturn5 most likely got booted out of trooper school and probably couldn't pass the popat, so he advocates policing a community the way the police thinks it ought to be policed; not how the citizens want to be policed. This police department is a seminar, CEU credits awarded, on bad public relations. I am going to make the necessary changes to reflect public sentiments and the actual concerns of the community if I get this police chief's job. The village can count on that.
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Go ahead tell the community on this forum who you are and post your resume? As part of the community you want to come work for I am interested. Where do you work now?
None 11 months, 1 week ago
I would think that job would go to Captain Thomas who by the way has a Masters Degree and years of training. So what's your qualifications? Unit ~ has a military ring to it. That really doesn't make you qualified to supervise a police force.
Flabbergasted 11 months, 1 week ago
I support and endorse theunit!!!!! He understands there is a problem and is willing to address it. Not turn a blind eye and think everything is going smoothly. This forum dictates that!!!!!!
MisterG 11 months, 1 week ago
"Which is it people? A safe community where the police enforce the laws? Or a community where we can speed and ignore the traffic laws."
I see you chose option 3: using a false tautology to defend overzealous policing.
Yukonjohn 11 months, 1 week ago
Folks, please, if you think it is OK to get stopped and questioned EVEN if you have NOTHING TO HIDE, please go re-read the 4th Amendment. This is harrassment. I am hopeful that people will "speak with their feet" and not support towns that do this. I really dont have a horse in this race except when I come down once a year or so to visit family, but as from someone that grew up there but moved to a place where drinking is a way of life, I chuckle at this atricle. Here in Alaska, in the second largest city, where we have about 35,000 in town, they write at least a couple DWI's a day, and they are not looking that hard. Most violators are way up in their BAC. I take my chances, may get killed today, but take my chances none the less. I avoid a couple of neighborhood bars on my way home late at night because l know everyone on the road is drunk, but one just plans for it. At any rate, if you are unhappy with the Pinehurst or any other dept. dont go there. I avoid WP everytime l am in Moore County.
dc3skyliner 11 months, 1 week ago
Everybody that knows me knows that I'm very pro police. Many of my friends are officers and I spent 5 years as a civilian volunteer at a police department. I can safely say that the Pinehurst department is one of the most aggressive I've ever seen, maybe the most aggresive. My wife and I try to stay out of Pinehurst as much as we can and as far as spending money there goes, forget it. I've had a clean record for over 30 years and I want to keep it that way. For those that say "just obey the law", I say anybody can make a mistake. We're only human.
Yukonjohn 11 months, 1 week ago
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
To my knowledge, this has not been superceeded. It says that l should be secure in my person....in other words....leave me alone unless l am breaking a law!! What part of this do people not understand. Unless you have PROBABLE CAUSE to stop me....do not impede my travel to show my papers, ask me questions, or any other reason other than to tell me YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW!!
starman 11 months, 1 week ago
Yukonjohn keep you and your thoughts in ALASKA. Theunit, you would be a disaster as the chief of any police department. Police are damned if they do and damned if they don''t. Suspicious activity at any hours has to be investigated. And just because you are visiting this area you are not ALLOWED to drive drunk.
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Agreed!!
MisterG 11 months, 1 week ago
Yukonjohn and his "thoughts" are the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution. You know, that thing that is the law of the land?
Yukonjohn 11 months, 1 week ago
Starman, my family has been in NC for centuries and Moore County for generations. I have very strong ties there, but we are ALL AMERICANS!! Our Founding Fathers meant for us to be free for many generations to come. I am sure while they could have never imagined how the USA would turn out, they must be rolling over in their graves at the weak citizens we have become. Where are the patriots that question their ELECTED servants/leaders? As I said in my first post, l have no horse in this race, but we are all Americans, and none of us deserve harassment. Ole Ben Franklin said it best, "Those that would sacrifice essential liberty for safety deserve neither". As Americans, we should all uphold that quote!!
starman 11 months, 1 week ago
The constitution does give all Americans the right to be safe and secure from illegal searches and seizures. Driving a car on public streets is a privelage granted by the State of North Carolina, not a RIGHT. Anyone driving a convertible with the top down in cold weather is suspicious. Maybe this person just stole the car and does not know how to get the top up. A police officer just CAN NOT overlook it. I understand what you are saying. Some police officers are over zealous. But what I took from this article was that certain Pinehurst bar owners were complaining about their customers being afraid to get DRUNK AND DRIVE in Pinehurst. Try visiting Myrtle Beach, get drunk and drive and see what happens. But people still visit Myrtle Beach.
dc3skyliner 11 months, 1 week ago
"Anyone driving a convertible with the top down in cold weather is suspicious". Are you serious? I used to have a Healey that didn't even have a top. I loved driving it in the cold with the heater blasting. I still do it today in my Miata. Does that mean I should expect to get pulled over for "motoring while cold?" C'mon, cops need to use some common sense and look for actual violations of the vehicle code.
starman 11 months, 1 week ago
Very serious
dc3skyliner 11 months, 1 week ago
Then you are one scary person. Please do us all a favor and stay out of law enforcement.
theunit 11 months, 1 week ago
If you and saturn5 are cops in Pinehurst this explains why the public has a very poor perception of the Pinehurst PD. Believe it or not citizens’ desires and viewpoints do make a difference in local governance. This police department needs a lesson in community relations. If I don’t get the Pinehurst chief’s job; since I am extremely over qualified for such a small village, I hope a forward thinking customer focused police leader is appointed. Speed cops would then begin their exits of this PD shortly thereafter, if they can find another job.
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
I say it again post your resume "overqualified"
recondo 11 months, 1 week ago
My appoligies on the comment concerning the tags and stickers as this may have dated my age. at one time if you lived inside the city or "village" limits and payed city taxes you were given a small green tag for the front of your vehicle that read whispering pines or pinehurst (i think theirs was red and white) it was almost a get out of jail free card because the police were twice as likely to stop someone that did not have this tag on their car as they would say a old beater car or truck that just happened to be passing through the "hood" because those people were not residents and were less likely to file a complaint kinda kept the riff raff out of the area also. bottom line of my comment is if your driving drunk you deserve to be caught and go to jail but in north carolina there is and has always been a requirement of Probable cause for a traffic stop and just driving through an area is not cause enough
None 11 months, 1 week ago
When I worked for James Wise, it didn't make any difference to him who was cited for a violation, as long as it was legal. Since all the cars I stopped was facing forward from my point of view, I never realized that they were from Pinehurst. No one was exempt from a citation who was deserving - except the judge. I never wrote "rinky dink" burned out light tickets. I would take their information and expect them to be there the next day to show me where the light was fixed. No big deal. Now days, apparently it makes rookies feel accomplished by asking for a new ticket book.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
cops produce no wealth, just harass people and steal in the name of the law
justjoe 11 months, 1 week ago
WP used to issue little blue numbered stickers for resident's cars although I don't know if that's still done. The PD can check pretty quickly who you are by the sticker number. But being a resident cuts no ice with these guys - and shouldn't.
Yukonjohn 11 months, 1 week ago
Theunit, Best Wishes if you end up being the Chief of a Dept in Moore County. I think you would make an excellent choice. I was amazed during my 30 years here in Alaska of how our citizens have such a fantastic relationship with our law enforcement community. They respect our State Constitutional right to privacy, and we respect them for the difficult job they do. I work with emergency services, and in that, deal with law enforcement on a regular basis. They do have a thankless job, and as l said, are highly respected members of our community, even by the criminals they put behind bars. It is a shame when it is otherwise.
DC-3, not sure where you got your moniker from, but what a sweet airplane...(off the subject, but had to mention it)
dc3skyliner 11 months, 1 week ago
Agree with everything you've said Yukon. (Off the subject...the DC-3 is the best airplane ever built. Hope you get "Ice Pilots" where you live or maybe you depend on them. Regards.)
starman 11 months, 1 week ago
Theunit, nope not a cop. Wrong about the convertible statement but I just wanted to speak about the crying about visitors driving drunk. Look at todays WRAL website "suspected impaired driver hits and kills 2 on a motorcycle".
theunit 11 months, 1 week ago
Yukon, this culture of us against them is not limited to Pinehurst, many small town police departments lose sight of what it means to protect and serve. You can’t just ramrod a community with your priorities as a police officer. And as a police chief, you can’t let the inmates run the asylum. My aim will be to lead a customer focused, user friendly police department for the unique and affluent clientele of Pinehurst. I say to officers like Saturn and starman; why don’t you go and try and get a job in Durham, Fayetteville or Greensboro if you think every driver who is different than you are has to be treated like a criminal? I doubt that people move to or visit Pinehurst because they long to be a part of a PD’s crackdown of minor traffic infractions. I am in the region. I have a sense of what is needed. I’m going to have some work to do if and when I get there. PPD needs an outsider police chief. And I am the man for the job.
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Third time overqualified post your resume. i never said im a cop you just assume that and although i agree with starmans posts i dont know who he is or if hes a cop either. i live here and have no complaints of the police in pinehurst southern pines aberdeen or any where in the area. as i said before if your so great post your resume or at least where you are chief at now.
theunit 11 months, 1 week ago
No I don't need to post a resume for you saturn. I have sent it to Pinehurst Human Resources. And you are a cop!
KGB2006 11 months, 1 week ago
The fact is that the police make their presence known by driving throughout the village roads, driving past the downtown eateries and businesses numerous times within a short period of time. The police presence leaves a clear impression and it appears one they wish to present clear to the locals The police appear to be suspicious of most drivers and will pull over drivers far from downtown close to the outside line of their jurisdiction with false claims of drivers driving over the line, swerving etc. searching out drivers who may have any amount of alcohol in their system- one drink or ten drinks. In January a few years ago, a few friends of mine drove to pinehurst with plans to stay at the inn or get a cab back to southern pines. One rode with a cab one w going to stay at he inn, but with no rooms and no cab, my friend decided to sleep in his car. Seated in his parked car, laying back in the drivers seat, asleep with keys in the ignition and heat on (the night temperature was in the teens) a patrol officer came across my friend in his car - woke him up arresting him for dwi. Officer did not see him drive and said he was parked. My friend chose the right decision of not driving, yet made the wrong decision of seating in the drivers seat.
The impression the police choose to promote to those who travel into the village is clear. Don't drink any alcohol and get into the driver's seat. As this is not a bad thing it is when police are presuming significant cause is justified to pull drivers over based on where they are spending time.
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
well from what you said i "most likely got booted out of trooper school and probably couldn't pass the popat" the fact is what i am is not relevent im not the one making statements that im the savior and can fix all the problems. As i respect cops i take the fact of you calling me one as a complement.
pinewoodnc 11 months, 1 week ago
What is unique about the Pinehurst clientele?
starman 11 months, 1 week ago
thunit, this is the last comment I will post on this article. I re-read the article and it is about Pinehurst patrolling looking for drunks. It does not talk about harrassment. That is your rant. Maybe a good one maybe not. But back to the topic of the article. IF you were to become the chief of PHPD would your motto be, "come to Pinehurst, enjoy the golf, visit our restaurants, bars and pubs, get as drunk as you want, drive home, we will not bother you". Have a good night, BYE.
difflook 11 months, 1 week ago
Just wondering why Captain Thomas is addressing this issue, and not the Chief.
AM910 11 months, 1 week ago
I've heard stories from the 70's about how the State Patrol would be sitting outside Crash Landing on US 1 in rows waiting for people to leave the club. It's just a natural thing to be worried about drunk drivers these days. The smart thing to do is get a cab if you are going to be at the bars until closing time.
I do think that the Pinehurst reputation led to Southern Pines and Aberdeen getting a bit snippy as well. Courtesy does go a long way.
I am glad crime is not a major problem in these towns - maybe the 'tude has a bearing on that?
theunit 11 months, 1 week ago
I have offered my opinions. I stand by them; and I rest my case too. No more comments on this self inflicted wound article. Too all be be safe.
BigE 11 months, 1 week ago
If you drink (above the legal limit) and drive you should go to jail. Period. Saying you are sorry and it was a mistake is not bringing back my wife or children. If you believe in a forgiving god then ask them for forgiveness, in my society you are responsible for your own actions. None of this, "The devil made me do it" or "I'm only a flawed human" crap. Bravo Pinehurst police. Harrass the drunk drivers all you want!!!
None 11 months, 1 week ago
Captain Thomas' statement speaks volumes when it come to enforcement of traffic laws: "Now it’s up to the officer to determine whether they give a written warning or a verbal warning or if they actually issue a citation.”
I patrolled the village streets for several years. I never wrote a traffic citation for a taillight or headlight. That type of enforcement in my opinion is a "cheap shot". How would one of the officers know if one of their crusers' lights happened to burn out while driving the streets. Many times it's justification to burn time off the clock while training. My son was stopped for a headlight he didn't know that was out by Southern Pines Police in January. His name match a BOLO for a man in Florida. After a 45 minute search of his car with a canine, four SP Police cars, and a curious Aberdeen Police Officer, he was released with a citation for a headlight. The officer who stopped his car was either over zealous, or in training mode. Followed up with Chief Litteney only to be told that a burned out headlight is a violation. Now the fact that he had a drivers license with an Aberdeen address, several other forms of local identification, he had to stand outside his car in freezing weather for 45 minutes while SPPD had a training session at my son's expense.Cheap shot!
None 11 months, 1 week ago
What a sad story told over and over. Get over it. We have children who have been stopped and cited as well. That is such a part of real life. Whiners who have nothing else to do but try to slam the police. No longer can cops have a gun, a strong back and a weak mind. It requires alot of training and knowledge as well as people skills. Back in the day that was not the case and some just live in that time.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
What a condescending comment! No I won't get over it. Have you heard the details of that event before? Have you had one of your children treated like a criminal for a headlight that could have burned out minutes before a SPPD officer stopped him. Justification of an harassment stop. He's not a child by the way. He was leaving a church youth function at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Whiners are people with constitutional rights ~ but they didn't teach you that in rookie 101 at Sandhills Community College in one of Dave's' classes did they?
"No longer can cops have a gun" I thought they used Glocks? And since you are uninformed regarding training in the 70's and 80's, officers were required to take classes and instruction in Salemburg - 240 hours. In addition I earned an Advance Law Enforcement Certification from the NC Department of Justice. Law Enforcement requires a lot of training ~ then and now. BYW: How many paroling the streets of Pinehurst have advanced college degrees; People skills are acquired through 3000-4000 level college classes. Call your next case - rookie!
None 11 months, 1 week ago
Must have stepped on some toes. Now Basic Training is almost 700 hours things have changed a great deal.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
I can relate. I enjoy a civil exchange of opinions and points of view. Your comment,"Get over it. We have children who have been stopped and cited as well." In my humble opinion, you jumped right our there with an opinion void of any facts. Police stick together, and few have a life. Their lives revolve around their work, with meager pay, questionable family insurance plans, and most have financial concerns. But they enjoy their profession. I always became frustrated after all that training, to have an attorney with a JD twist my testimony on the stand in an effort to get his client off. Knowing the defendant was guilty as sin. Wasn't fun anymore.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
if cops had any skills they would be doing somethng else besides wearing bullet proof vests
teufelhunden 11 months, 1 week ago
I had to contact the Pinehurst PD to report something and I was extremely pleased at how professional they were and how they went above and beyond to help me. I have also been a victim of a drunk driver and I've known people whose loved ones weren't as lucky. Quit your whining and complaining. Some of YOU have major attitudes. Every time an officer pulls someone over it is a gamble for them-do you ever think about that? I think they're doing an outstanding job and like several posters have previously stated (and it's pretty darn obvious) if you're not doing anything wrong you have nothing to worry about. Hearing "oh how dare he do that to MEEEEE" is about as gross as it gets. Get over yourselves.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
Back in the day, and Chief Davis knows this as well, a local Superior Court Judge would go to the members club for nightly libations or special events. I participated in a police "escort" from the Members Club to his home while "the Judge" would swerve from one side of the road to the other. We just ran interference to keep him from hitting another care head-on. The officers working back in the day knew that "the Judge" received very special treatment.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
How did you keep him from hitting someone if he was swerving? That sounds like the police were aiding and abetting the judge. I think the officers and their supervisors should have been indicted.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
I was the supervisor who was following orders. I experienced the politics of the day as well as others who were providing an escort, and obviously, you were not in law enforcement or working for Pinehurst Police. What one thinks and what the reality of the real world are is entirely two separate issues. Arm chair quarterbacking is always a game changer...after the game.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
It only takes reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle not probable cause. Sounds like Pinehurst does its job and does it by the law. I guess that is the problem, the wrong person got a ticket or or or was arrested for DWI, what a small place like Pinehurst deals with in trying to do their jobs and enforece the laws of people who have no idea what the officers are sworn to do. Again a thankless job. For those of you trying to protect the motoring public as well as the community we thank you and keep up the good job you are doing. Those who do follow the laws of this great country and community have nothing to fear. Thanks again for what you all do on such a small salary why at the same time putting you lifes on the line everyday for those who could care less.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
"enforece the laws of people who have no idea what the officers are sworn to do?" Reasonable judgement is tantamount to a forward thinking officer. Not even the Highway Patrol writes tickets for "rinky dink" traffic stops. Not one of my threads criticized what Retired Chief Earnest Hooker and Chief Ronnie Davis has done in shaping that department or their policies. You Sir, are way to quick on the trigger to chastise everyone who has an opinion different than yours. You need to grow up and put some mileage in police car, and drop the attitude. That's what these threads are communicating. In addition to working with Earnest with the Sheriff's Department, and Ronnie as his supervisor at Pinehurst, I also worked with Charlie Wilson and James Wilson Wise. Common sense goes much further in Law Enforcement than ego's from wearing a badge and carrying a gun. It's quite obvious you don't work for Chief Davis. Must be Litteney with Southern Pines.
recondo 11 months, 1 week ago
witness i was a deputy sheriff and a small town police chief for 15 years and you will never hear an officer say he had reasonable suspicion to stop a car he will always say i had probable cause (same thing just a play on words unless your a lawyer). i fully support all the agencys in the county and their officers in doing their job and might i add they all seem to do it well, im just saying just because a car is moving down the road is no reason to stop it. so if they have probable cause or reasonable suspicion by all means they should pull the vehicle over and issue the citation but the stats that should also be looked at are how many business security checks were done or how many well being checks on the elderly. those are the things that make a great police department not how many tickets were written but i am afraid those community relations activitys do not produce revenue for the state or county and are becoming less common
eflat7 11 months, 1 week ago
I drive through Pinehurst every day. Have done so for many years. I think I have been stopped twice by PPD. One time I wasn't wearing my seat belt and got a ticket for it. The other time I was speeding and let off with a warning. I don't understand what the issue is Pinehurst.
coffecreme 11 months, 1 week ago
Their jobs can be done without arrogance and belligerence.
Flabbergasted 11 months, 1 week ago
And ATTITUDE! You're exactly right.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
I have lived in the area since the late 70's, and can tell you for a fact that the PPD has always had the reputation of targeting non-resident drivers. The only department with a worse reputation is Whispering Pines. Recently however Aberdeen PD seems to be trying to take the lead.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
I beg to differ...I worked for several years as a third shift Sargent. Never once was I told or did I tell an officer to write tickets. I once suggest at that time to Officer Ronnie Davis if he stopped a female driver to write a ticket. We all did, and that's a whole other story. Most of our time, about 80%, was spent walking around homes of residents who were out of town or had vacation homes in Pinehurst. Pretty much a boring existence except for the occasional DUI - back then as opposed to DWI.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
Why did you only ticket female drivers?
marathonman 11 months, 1 week ago
We should never chastise the local police for their presence in our midst. Once they stop, due this kind of public debate and ridicule, the crime will start in earnest with petty the beginning and major felonies to follow quickly. The bad folks could be those who are targeted in simple stops which protects us all. As to those who feel the scutiny is to close of those leaving local bars, if you are drunk, I want you stopped and the rest of us protected from your irratic and dangerous use of a motor vehicle. If you are a tourist and you park illegally, you deserve a ticket and, I would argue, having your vehicle towed since you inconvenience those who would obey the law. In sum, the broken window syndrone could come to Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen should those of you who object to the letter of law have their way. And, you will be the first to say, "where are the police when they are needed!" Drive the speed limit, get it - limit, and you will not be stopped. Go to slow and you might be stopped since then you are still a public menace and you could be impaired. If you are not wearing your seatbelt, talking/texting on a cellphone, have equipment malfunction - a light out then you are a part of the problem and I demand they due their duty and stop you. A fine is within their judgement on the spot. A warning is neighborly for those who are trurely in violation without intent.
moconative 11 months, 1 week ago
Now, if they would put as much focus on patrolling the neighborhoods like they do on catching speeders! Our taxes also go to neighborhood protection by our police department if I am not mistaken. They are almost the same as the Aberdeen PD. It is all about revenue no matter what anyone says.
witness2 11 months, 1 week ago
Are you saying the officers get paid extra to risk getting killed from an irrate driver , which any of these anti cop folks may be at any given moment, sounds like alot of built up anger that could result in an officer being injuried for doing their job. NO extra $$$ for them doing their jobs and writing citations. Oh well some are so misled. Only God and the officers know the truth.
buddysmith 11 months, 1 week ago
growing up in a small town in SC, the lcoal police used to give tickets to drivers that had loud mufflers on their cars. I think of this every time I hear a motorcycle go by my house with straight exhaust pipes on it. maybe we should look at writing tickets for these motorcycles, also cars with loud thumping speakers, both are annoying!!
Zoey 11 months, 1 week ago
"every time I hear a motorcycle go by my house"
Guiltily Smiling........Not only is it a performance issue, but a injury preventative. A motorcycle is a 'small' vehicle. I don't want to be the recipient of the "I didn't see it".... If you don't see me, you'll damn sure hear me....:All within legal dB..)
buddysmith 11 months, 1 week ago
I will also hear you slamming into the side of a distracted driver that just ran a stop sign, that is an argument I have heard before and it is absolutely idiotic. get use to it, noise ordinances on motorcycles are happening nationwide, soon at a town near you!!!!!!!!
Zoey 11 months, 1 week ago
I went the extra effort and found you some like-minded citizens:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Carolina-Citizens-Against-Loud-Motor-vehicles-NCCALM/114623338615974
They may even have a counseling hotline....
buddysmith 11 months, 1 week ago
thank you, you may want to join after the accident!
buddysmith 11 months, 1 week ago
I am sure the meetings have a handicapped accesible entry, so you can roll on in with the wheelchair!
Zoey 11 months, 1 week ago
On a serious note, Buddy. I find that my louder pipes help get the attention of drivers around me. As a motorcyclist, I find it comforting to know I've gained the awareness of those drivers that " I'm There"... Also, dealing with animals crossing the highway are less frequent. Wonder why? I appreciate you wanting to put my safety in jeopardy because you find something "annoying".
old_school00 11 months, 1 week ago
I too grew up in a small town, however, I've never witnessed the way the police are in Moore County. To me they have nothing else to do, due to the fact that there is no "REAL" action here. With that said I'm sure they couldn't cut it in a large city fighting real crime because they would have to actually have to put in REAL police work. Come on people take a look at our local officers and emergency service guys and girls. The majority of these individuals are out of shape and need to utilize time in the gym. Anyways, I guess by pulling folks over and handing out ridiculous citations it makes them feel as if they've done something, which is at least a good way to get their hearts moving, but come on guys EXERCISE! PLEASE!
AM910 11 months, 1 week ago
You weren't here in the 70's & 80's when they were REALLY big. I'm pretty sure most today could bench press you. They'd have to be able to pick up most of the patients going to FirstHealth.
old_school00 11 months, 1 week ago
Who cares about the 70s and 80s. This is 2011 and I'm very certain not one of them could catch me on foot. I think it's sad to see so many out of shape people working in emergency services. I was in Chapel Hill last week working with a patient on an exercise prescription. I was impressed at the number of members at the gym I was at because many of them work as paramedics, fire services, and policeman. All of these men and women were in great shape.
witness2 11 months, 1 week ago
Oh no someone else has gotten a ticket or been arrested and is not very happy. Low blow there old_school 00. Get you a badge and some training and get at it. I am sure they may have a uniform to fit you. You might should look around you are sterotyping the officers without really looking around at the different agencies
starman 11 months, 1 week ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
truthmatterstome2 11 months, 1 week ago
While I agree with Toda that Chiefs Wise and Hooker were great common sense leaders, it is apparent that he has been out of the business for too long. Pinehurst PD has officers whose primary responsibility is traffic. They have spent tons of money outfitting vehicles with radar units and computers for the sole purpose of monitoring traffic. They even spent Homeland Security money to purchase motorcycles for traffic control! Their enforcement of the law is not in question, their ethics and common sense are in question. They act like "Big brother". The department spent money like drunken sailors...excuse me, they spent money like it was stolen....no, more like they just pulled the wool over civilian's eyes. Now they act as if they must prove that there was a legitimate reason for accepting Federal money to get traffic under control. Don't you think the officers, who are traffic cops, and their supervisors want to justify their spending?
ChefPaul 11 months, 1 week ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
Flabbergasted 11 months, 1 week ago
With the roads in the village being changed from 35 to 25, mainly speaking of Rattlesnake and McCaskill, which i travel min. 6 times a day, they lay in wait like blood thirsty sharks. They CANT WAIT to nab someone. This is more than just a regular/random speed trap. Its almost everyday, several times a day. Is this all they have? And, they sit at the bottom of the hill, knowing that you'll pick up speed on the way down, unless you ride your brakes the entire way. Find a more positive way to show your police presence. This department has some serious restructuring and training that is needed, and by the looks from the comments above, it needs to be done NOW!
MikeNC 11 months, 1 week ago
I count around 1500 DWI's which takes that number of drunks immediately off the streets for at least a short while. I wonder if swervy bar patrons and other drinkers were left alone that night or afternoon...how many unneccesary and fatal wrecks may have occurred. Wrecks that may have taken the life of one of an innocent driver or pedestrian; possibly one of our children, husband, wife or other family members. Then this story would morph into why our LEO's are not more pro active in their duties. Faulty head lights may have burned out that day....and they may have burned out weeks or months ago. Officers still have and use personal discretion depending on whom is behind the wheel and what thier personal attitude might be. Night driving with that defunct headlight can cause the same fatal results as mentioned above; with or without alcohol useage. I know their are abuses that go on and certain community figures are watched over and protected. The political protection of some is wrong and frustrating; but it occurs to the very top of our political system. I'm thankful to our police and all our emergency service personnel for what they do as they seldom know what they will encounter on that shift they are starting and in many cases will be rebuked for their efforts as is common in many articles appearing in the Pilot....Mike
teufelhunden 11 months, 1 week ago
okay if you know the speed limit around the park (where there are kids on bikes, etc) is 25 mph then go 25 mph. problem solved! blood thirsty sharks? i don't think so...
Flabbergasted 11 months, 1 week ago
I have no problem with it, but they take advantage of the fact that someone might pick up 5-8 miles an hour coming down the hill and that's what they are banking on, so its an easy ticket and they cant wait for that someone. With their presence there so often, it looks like that's all they have to do. Catching someone doing 30 in a 25 OMG!!! What a crime. They're chumming the waters!
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Have you ever received a ticket for 5 MPH over in Moore county? Or is that just something you assume they are doing?
Flabbergasted 11 months, 1 week ago
Yes, I have known people who were pulled doing 5-8 mph over. It is no assumption.
herecomesthescience 11 months, 1 week ago
dont waste your time with saturn5, Flabber...he/she is obviously a pinehurst officer or the spouse or child of one.
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Just because I support them doesn't mean I am one any more than the fact that you don't support them makes you a criminal. This is a comment forum where everyones opinion is allowed and my opinion is they ar doing a thankless job that is neededin our society. It is also my opinion that the majority of society supports them a few uninformed people that write a few negative comments is surely not representative of our society as a whole. And I would bet these negative commenters have also been caught breaking the law so they are biased opinions.
herecomesthescience 11 months, 1 week ago
Are you not reading the comments? Those of us who are making criticizing comments about the PPD are not anti-police, we just want OUR police force to be more professional, and not harass people who ARE NOT BREAKING THE LAW. I am pro-police, but the force in Pinehurst do not act like professionals, and do pull over or harass people for no reason. Also, it is foolish to assume that anybody who criticizes the police is a criminal...I hope to God you are not a cop, you sound like a vindictive person who believes anything a cop does is justified...
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Just asking a question because I've had nothing but positive contacts withall the officers in the area. And I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for 5 over.
anonnyp 11 months, 1 week ago
Saturn5 I got my first and only speeding ticket for 5 over in Pinehurst. I didn't believe I was speeding but didn't argue with the officer. I paid my fine and court fees and a few months later received almost a full refund with no explanation.
None 11 months, 1 week ago
Most of the young officers have an issue called "lack of common sense". Their respective departments don't require a citation quota, but their egos do. I learned not to spend my days in court over "rinky dink" tickets. Then we didn't get stipend for time in court or time off. Some officers like court as opposed to riding around all day and night. Boring existence ~ "was that a taillight out?"
None 11 months, 1 week ago
"Most" young Officers have an issue of lacking common sense Toda & they have ego quotas???...Where do those statistic come from other than your own mind? Like most professions there are needed documented courses of study, degrees, certificates or whatever needed in order to be an entry level Police Officer or anything else...but the real training comes from personal experience as you well know. Some young officers will handle that transition of dealing with the public in the assorted roles presented more efficently and effectively than others, but nonetheless; they all go through that learning curve; and mistakes are sometimes made. Most will grow and learn from these mistakes. Becoming a seasoned and savvy officer in dealing with the public is not an overnight lesson. It seems that you spent a career in this business Toda; I would think you would show a bit more understanding in what they face each and every day because of your knowledge, not just paint a broad brush of police over reach upon them all. Possibly your personal expertise can be useful as in volunteering your time to young officers to share what you have learned and value over the course of your career. That might instill some of that common sense to new officers and flat line some of that ego you mentioned...Mike
None 11 months, 1 week ago
"Where do those statistic come from other than your own mind? No I've seen it over the years I was actively involved in Law Enforcement. Listening to feedback from those who were stopped. What they face everyday is paroling the streets for high visibility. There are over zealous young officers and that covers every department. Most departments having training programs. And no I didn't spend a career in Law Enforcement, the money wasn't really worth the time. The long hours of investigations which resulted in a defendant spending a few years in prison only to be released back into the community. The prison population has a limit set by the feds. I will stick by my comment that many have huge egos and that behavior is shielded by their citation book. And FYI: I've never had a ticket or been arrested....
None 11 months, 1 week ago
I'll go with "some" officers Toda, but not 'many' or 'most'. The ones who have significant problems and refuse to correct them will fall to the wayside before long as they are a liability to the Town and to the Chief and will be forced into a career change for everyone's benefit; to include their own. Many new officers may be high spirited and proud of their new career...with Good reason. They are proud of the career they have just entered and have a good deal of training under their belt. I'll use the word..."Most" of these men and women will settle in and be valuable assets to the department and their communities. I'm glad you toned down your original response...Mike
Satch2929 11 months, 1 week ago
State and federal grants usually come with mandates for police departments to show evidence that the monies have made an impact. Most of the time, that is in the form of increased citations, arrests or related objectives. To pay for those new patrol vehicles, or the extra positions, you have to show results to keep the grant money coming.
Arestorer 11 months, 1 week ago
Sounds like the towns folk and PD need to get together for more community relations events.. If people knew the officers or the officers knew the people, I think the stress level and civility would be alot better.. Some good ole Mayberry action.. Ive been stopped by Officers in all surrounding towns, all were Professional, none ticketed me.. Now State Troopers have been a different story !! They tend to not stop people that they are not going to ticket.....They dont want to spend time in court on petty charges...
Flabbergasted 11 months, 1 week ago
Agreed!! Community relations says it all. Well put!!!
teufelhunden 11 months, 1 week ago
I think a lot of this is about perception. When someone gets pulled over they're naturally ticked off so it may seem as though someone's having an attitude with them when in fact it's probably their OWN attitude shining through...
Arestorer 11 months, 1 week ago
Sure people think their time is to important to be stopped by smoeone they dont know..If both parties knew of each other, possibly tensions would be less. You tend to treat people you see every day or so differently...More like a friend...
herecomesthescience 11 months, 1 week ago
My experience has been that my courtesy, friendliness, and compliance has been often (most times) met with an attitude, rudeness, and WAY too much zeal for a simple stop to "see who I was and why I was walking around at night". Its not a felony stop, and I am not a murder suspect, these officers seem to want to treat every situation like it is life or death. When you treat the officer with respect and are nice to them, they respond with curt answers and are outright mean.
Arestorer 11 months, 1 week ago
That seems like a good reason to go shake hands with the Chief, and let him know personally that you had a problem....Does the PD have a puplic relations officer??
herecomesthescience 11 months, 1 week ago
I would like to, but I am honestly worried that I would then become "known" as a complainer or troublemaker...the last thing I want is for the officers who were punished for their behavior towards me to "remember" me, if you know what I mean. After years of living here (all of my life, basically) I have learned that staying as far away from this kind of thing is for the best. It sucks, because I am a law abiding guy, never even had a speeding ticket. I just don't trust the Pinehurst PD.
CNMT 11 months ago
And more often than not, the attitude we project is reflected right back at us!!!
mooremedic 11 months, 1 week ago
I think that National is actually Southern Pines jurisdiction?....and I do believe that Pinehurst PD is responsible for any criminal investigations or accidents inside of CCNC and Pinewild.....also I was under the impression they were patrolling Pinewild, but I am certainly not sure and haven't asked....
foregolf 11 months, 1 week ago
I live in Pinewild and have seen them patroling here. Have not seen them sitting on the sides of the road like I do our own security service but I have seen them drive through.
Flabbergasted 11 months, 1 week ago
I am a citizen of Pinehurst. I was very well aware of them changing the limit. Not once did I complain about the 25mph, especially since I comply with all posted limits. I simply stated that they take advantage of that particular spot. Strategically noted. It is a constant appearance. I also stated that people have been pulled, not necessarily ticketed, except for our friend above, annonyp, who was ticketed. You must not travel back and forth as much. It is a shame that a few bad apples spoil the tree. I have talked with some officers, who are very professional above and beyond.
moorehntnfool 11 months, 1 week ago
Very well written Mrs. Thomas.
Zoey 11 months, 1 week ago
131 comments in: Houston, I think we have a problem!!!!
saturn5 11 months, 1 week ago
Your right 131 comments by about 30-35 commenters some negative, some positive some, middle of the road. There is between 80,000 to 90,000 residents in Moore County so I dont think any of these comments is representative of the community as a whole.
moorehntnfool 11 months, 1 week ago
Neither the positive, nor the negative, nor the middle of the road is representative of the community as a whole? What in the world? Could you explain your logic?
Zoey 11 months, 1 week ago
It's ok, moorehntnfool. I was lost with the first word of saturn5's comment.
marathonman 11 months, 1 week ago
Many contributors herein need to read the book; "Character and Cops, Edition VII" by Dr. Edwin Delattre. Or any of the previous 6 editions.