NCPBA calls for Whistleblower Protection
Oct 20, 2014
Local House Members will Support Measure in upcoming
Legislative Session
Recent developments within the Asheville Police Department have prompted the state’s largest law enforcement association to again call for passage of Whistleblower Protection legislation for local officers.
In 2013, the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association worked with House members to introduce HB 643 (Protect Officers from Retaliation). The PBA has been concerned for many years about the lack of protection for local officers and deputies who report corruption and are then retaliated against. Under HB 643, officers and deputies who reported a violation of state and federal law; fraud; misappropriation of state and local government resources; substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety; gross mismanagement, a gross waste of monies, or gross abuse of authority would be protected by offering civil remedies for officers who are retaliated against. Thirty six members of the House from both sides of the aisle signed onto the bill in a wave of bipartisan support. The bill, however, was defeated 54-56 in a floor vote on May 15th, 2013, after opposition efforts by the North Carolina Sheriffs and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.
According to NC Division President Randy Byrd, “The Asheville Police Department officers that have come forward to allege possible corruption by Chief Anderson deserve to have their jobs protected. They protect the citizens of Asheville every day. They deserve no less.” He added, “We are calling on the General Assembly to act on this important legislation as soon as they come back into session.”
Representative Susan Fisher, Representative Nathan Ramsey, and Representative Tim Moffitt stand in support of Whistleblower Protection for Local Officers.
Representative Fisher said, “I believe this legislation should be revisited in the long session beginning in January.”
Representative Ramsey said, “Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to serve and protect our community. While officers should follow their department's chain of command, in extraordinary circumstances there are times when the must speak out publicly. With almost 20% of the Asheville Police Department officers voicing their concerns regarding their agency, these officers should not face retaliation for speaking out. I will continue to stand up for officers who are trying to make our community safer. That's why I will continue to work to pass legislation that protects those who protect us."
Representative Tim Moffitt said, “I have a great deal of admiration for the APD officers who were willing to come forward, at great risk to their own careers. We should never tolerate any form of retaliation or intimidation against our men and women in uniform by any local government. This regrettable situation in Asheville is further proof that we need strong legislation at the state level and you can count on me to make it among my top priorities next session.”
North Carolina Division
