Alan Cutler is a native of Pender County and is from Scotts Hill. He began his work in law enforcement in 1990 with the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.
After four years, Cutler transitioned to the North Carolina Highway Patrol and has served as a trooper since 1995.
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Pender County Sheriff – Primary Election 2018
Cutler is one of seven candidates for Pender County Sheriff are competing in the 2018 Republican Primary Election; the winner, chosen May 8, will face off against Democrat Lawrence Fennell.
Current Sheriff Carson Smith has served four terms, but will not run for reelection; he will instead run to replace Representative Chris Millis, who stepped down from his position in September.
The Pender County Sheriff oversees an office in charge of nearly 1,000 square miles with manpower that has, historically, been limited in part due to Pender’s relatively low population density. Five times the size of New Hanover County, Pender has about one-fifth of the population.
In order to run, candidates must have established Pender County residency 90 days before filing. In the November election, one candidate will be elected to a four-year term and paid a $101,137 salary, plus health benefits. Arrests made by the Pender County Sheriff’s deputies are tried in the 5th District Court by the office of District Attorney Ben David.
Editor’s note: at the time of publication, five of the candidates had responded to questions. Responses from remaining candidates will be added if and when they are received.
The questions
School safety is on everyone’s mind. How would you address those concerns, both in schools and in the community?
In order to combat school violence, we need additional deputies in these facilities and also in the community. We need to have multi-agency and community training efforts.
There also needs to be a documented plan of operation in place that all involved in are thoroughly familiar with and equipped to follow.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office has a lot of ground to cover – do you feel the office has sufficient manpower to do so? What is your plan to utilize the office’s resources to the fullest without neglecting either the eastern or western part of the county?
To say there is insufficient manpower is an understatement. The growth of the Pender County Sheriff’s Department has not keep up pace with the growth of the county. The use of auxiliary deputies would be employed to provide additional coverage on both sides of the county. I would develop an open and direct line of communication with the county commissioners petitioning funds for more positions.
What experience do you have handling a government budget?
Having never run for public office before, my experience strictly in government budgeting is limited. I find this to be a quality rather than a disadvantage, as it’s important to cycle people with private sector experience through our public offices for accountability to the taxpayers.
I’ve worked with budgeting with my wife’s small business, my local church, and with local community organizations over the past 20 years.
What is your vision for how the Pender County Sheriff’s Office will handle the opioid crisis?
I would like to implement a three-tier program to combat the opioid crisis affecting our area. The first would be awareness through educational programs.
The second would be simply to enforce the drug laws that are set in place.
The third would be to assist individuals with recovery to include treatment while incarcerated.
When, if ever, was the last time you had a hands-on role in a criminal case (i.e. from arrest, to the magistrate, to court, and giving testimony)?
As a state trooper, I usually have this opportunity on a monthly basis.
Do you feel that arrests made by the Pender County Sheriff’s Office are adequately pursued in court by prosecutors in the District Attorney’s office?
Yes, however, the presence of the sheriff in the courthouse would be beneficial to maintain professional relations with court officials.
The Sheriff is a law enforcement agent, but also an administrator. Have you ever managed an organization of 50 or more individuals – if so, when? What was your management strategy?
I have served as shift supervisor of about 10 employees with the Pender County Sheriff’s office, and have served as the direct supervisor of 10 troopers who I trained with State Highway Patrol.
The size of an organization matters less than the effective leadership skills of an individual. My management strategy is to communicate well, lead by example, and empower those on my team. I’ve enjoyed spending over the last 27 years as a member of the Pender County area law enforcement team and hope to have the chance to continue working with each of them.
The Sheriff must also delegate effectively, especially to a second in command. Who do you plan to put in that role and what are his/her credentials?
I have two or three qualified individuals in mind. A decision would be made at a later day.
Has your personal or professional conduct ever been seriously called in question in the course of any employment?
My personal and professional conduct has never been called into question in the course of any employment.
