04/19/2014
PRESS RELEASE
Maurys response to questions for Courier Tribune
Story by Mary Anderson
What are the primary goals and duties of this office and how will your operation of the office benefit the citizens?
1). The primary goal and duties of the sheriff’s office are to ensure that everyone’s rights are protected. The sheriff’s office is responsible for civil process, courthouse security, the county jail and answering calls for service and assistance from the communities. For the sheriff’s office to be more efficient in its goals and objectives, we must adapt to better serve all citizens of the county.
1. To encourage continuing education, I have created an advanced placement plan which will consist of levels: Deputy 1, Deputy 2, and Deputy 3.
Example: The Hispanic community is growing and for us to best serve everyone, we need bilingual deputies. Bilingual deputies who are hired will start off in the position of Deputy
This plan can increase diversity within the sheriff’s office and allow current deputies the opportunity to continue their education and advance in pay.
2. To operate a more efficient sheriff’s office and reduce spending. This will enable us to start and host programs that will create a positive relationship among the deputies that serve the county. My plan will utilize the current deputies’ training, experience and education and place them in roles that will be an asset to the county.
3. Reduce the cost of operating a large fleet of vehicles. This will also save the county funds and allow the sheriff’s office to start new programs. I will not have deputies operating SUVs on general patrol. The assignment of SUVs will be based on the duties and job description of each deputy, as some positions, such as detectives, require more equipment. Maintaining fuel efficiency of the sheriff’s office vehicles will be a savings of approximately $6,000 over one year.
How will you provide oversight and accountability to assure the citizens that the office is properly and fairly operated for the good of all citizens?
2). All deputies will be well trained and up-to-date as to the current state and federal laws. The sheriff's office will abide by the constitution to ensure that everyone's rights are protected. No one is above the law. I will have an open door policy that will allow the citizens to voice their concerns. Insight from the community will enable the sheriff's office to better serve their needs. Being involved in the community plays a significant role in reducing criminal activity. My plan to introduce community policing will be successful in reducing the motivation and opportunities for individuals to commit crimes. The sheriff's office, working together with the community, will make Montgomery County a safer place for our families.
What in your background shows citizens that you have the judgment, character and leadership skills the office requires?
I grew up on the outskirts of Candor in the Brutonville community, which is known by some to be a high crime area; however, at an early age, I learned the importance of honesty, integrity, and responsibility. I began working at a young age volunteering with the Candor Fire Department and working at Blake’s restaurant. I am still an active member of the Candor Fire Department and a certified N.C. Emergency Medical Technician. I currently attend Christian Life Ministries in Biscoe.
Prior to becoming a police officer, I traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin where I completed the flight hours to obtain my private pilot’s license and hours accredited towards ground school.
I was also a warehouse manager at Longworth Industries in Candor where I learned that “time is money“ and the importance of doing a job right the first time, I have taken the values I’ve learned as a child and as a young man and applied them in my approach as a law enforcement officer and as candidate for sheriff.
I became a sworn police officer for the City of Hamlet at the age of 19 ½ and served the community in several facets, including patrol, dispatch and drug enforcement.
In May 2013, I joined the Moore County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. There, I gained knowledge in drug enforcement, investigations, dispatch and jail enforcement. I resigned from Moore County to run for the office of Montgomery County sheriff.
I have placed an emphasis on education and have participated in training and classes provided by the SBI, N.C. Criminal Justice Training and Standards and local law enforcement agencies.
My experiences as a member of the community and as a law enforcement officer have given me the vision I see for the sheriff’s office. I believe law enforcement agencies must work together and assist one another for the betterment of this county. Law enforcement is about protecting victims and ensuring that everyone’s rights are protected.
As a citizen and candidate for sheriff, we need to be sure that the job of sheriff is done right the first time. We need to be as efficient as possible as I believe law enforcement is the custodian of the public’s trust.
To guide our county in the right direction for all citizens, this is my mission statement:
This office will perform duties with the utmost fairness and respect for all citizens. We will be loyal to our organization, its membership and goals, while being held accountable for our conduct. We will protect and defend the rights of all citizens with honor and compassion. We should try new ideas and strive to be more effective and efficient in our operations. Employees must be well trained, challenged and motivated to enhance the reputation of the Montgomery County Sheriffs’ Office.
