From the Beaufort Observer (8/17/11): Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and a host of other political leaders learned the hard way: The coverup is often worse than the crime.
Does the public have a legitimate interest in knowing if a law enforcement official violates the law, particularly if that official is a top ranking appointed or elected official, law enforcement or otherwise?
While we believe sound public policy dictates that the answer to that question is an absolute “yes” it is not the policy of the City of Washington, and it is not the practice of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department. Both hide behind “confidential personnel information” exceptions in the public records laws of North Carolina.
A case in point.
The Observer recently was informed that Sheriff Alan Jordan was observed by a Washington Police officer driving in what a witness described as an unsafe, perhaps careless and reckless manner. We understood that two WPD officers witnessed the action and that a video was routinely made of the incident. No citation was issued nor was an arrest made. (We have also been advised by city officials that it was not technically a “stop” in that blue lights and sirens were not used but the officer approached the Sheriff after he stopped.) Now you know why we wanted the video for everyone to see.