The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission is set to vote on a proposal that would allow sheriffs to revert to a previous policy, giving new deputies a year to complete their basic law enforcement training after being hired.
This follows a change made in July 2023, which required deputies to complete the 640 hours of training before starting their duties.
Sheriffs are divided on the matter. Some, like Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman, argue that the flexibility to use deputies in non-patrol roles while they complete training would be beneficial. Others, like Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood, oppose the change, citing concerns that untrained deputies may be sent out on patrol, which could damage public trust and safety.
The discussion comes amid ongoing debates about law enforcement reform, with previous efforts in 2020 aiming to improve professionalism and accountability in North Carolina law enforcement.
These included a recommendation to require all deputies to complete their basic training before beginning their duties, which was initially set to take effect in 2023 but was delayed.
Sheriffs like Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe support the proposal, emphasizing the ability to hire deputies immediately for administrative work, rather than waiting for the completion of their training.
The commission is expected to vote on the proposal during a meeting on Friday, which will then move through the North Carolina Rules Review Commission for further approval.