Sheriff clarifies position on proposals by commissioners

Statement from Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan:

I want to clarify my position on the proposals made by three commissioners yesterday. I am not against all of what was proposed which was originally reported. I am strongly against the oversight proposals outlined in yesterday’s release. These recommendations impact all law enforcement agencies in Buncombe County. Part of the recommendation involves the County appointing a team of individuals that would investigate any use of force complaint that would arise from any action of any law enforcement agency in Buncombe County. They would also fund an attorney’s position to help these people file their complaint and possibly sue the county or municipality from which the complaint arises. They also propose the auditing of all law enforcement agencies in Buncombe County to include the Sheriff’s Office to review their policies and if they comply with President Obama’s 21st century policing policies. I think anyone who is elected to a board that oversees a municipal police department in Buncombe County should have issues with this. Citizens in these municipalities elect their boards to oversee their police departments and this is not the responsibility of the Buncombe County Commissioners. Several of the things the three commissioners propose we are already doing at the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office, or I would have helped them implement to include a Human Relations Council. I do not support any of the overreaching oversight proposals that have been made because it usurps the authority of existing boards and elected officials to do the jobs that their citizens elected them to do, to include their Sheriff.

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4 thoughts on “Sheriff clarifies position on proposals by commissioners

  1. Jason

    Far too long police brutality has gone unaccounted for! We elect officials to change what we don’t like; and they have the authority to change you! You’ve brought this upon yourselves! Maybe with his new implementation; Police will think twice about how they treat those they swore to “protect and serve”

  2. Keith Thomson

    Buncombe County is lucky to have the best Sheriff in North Carolina, and one of the best in the United States. Van Duncan cleaned up the mess created by former Sheriff Bobby Medford, who is still serving time in Federal Prison for his malfeasance. Duncan’s leadership for nearly twelve years has been based on continuous improvement through hiring, training, building relationships, and retention of proven guardians of our community.

    It is not a coincidence that the beatdown perpetrated by Asheville City Officer Hickman on Mr. Rush was NOT done by a Buncombe County Sheriff Deputy, or anyone under the command of Sheriff Duncan.

    We need to take a deep breath and realize that our work in protecting AND serving the public safety is not done, but we have come a long way under the leadership of Van Duncan, and that achievement can inspire and guide the improvements needed in the future.

    • Jason

      really?? then why is Van sticking his face where it doesnt belong…?

      AND thanx for admitting the root of the problem: Had proper over site been implemented Medford wouldnt have had the opportunity for such “malfeasance”…. Over site is LONG overdue! Police policy is far too in favor of the officer….. due to a SCOTUS ruling; All an officer has to say is “I felt my life was in danger” and they are given CART BLANCHE to be as abusive, aggressive, and lots of time murderous…. sent out to “secure” the streets. Understand that law enforcement attracts bullies who seek adrenalyn rushes, and who love to throw their weight around…The day cannot come soon enough when Policing is automated thru robots who have no emotion, dont consider race, color, or creed, and wont shoot at 8 year old kids who have toy guns… Enough is enough!

      • Keith Thomson

        We are very fortunate that no Buncombe County Law enforcement officers have shot” at 8 year old kids who have toy guns,” and NONE were responsible for beating Mr. Rush. This is yet further proof that we are ahead of the game under the steady leadership of Sheriff Van Duncan.

        Outrage over the bad things that happen should not lead to misdirected anger at the leaders who are ahead of the curve in prevention of what we all agree is outrageous. You may disagree. I hope we could start on some solid common ground, but that may not be possible.

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