Carteret County Law Enforcement And Police Information In NC

December 14, 2021

The Morehead City Council announced that David Kelly was chosen as the new Morehead City NC Police Chief after Chief Bernette Morris retired.

Mr. Kelly was chosen after a national search to fill the position was conducted by the council.

David Kelly has over 30 years experience working in law enforcement, starting his career with the Goldsboro Police Department in 1991 where he served as a detective, sergeant in the detective division, and as a patrolman.

Additionally, his career continued with the U.S. State Department as a contractor with DynCorp with the National Police Program, and with NC State University Police Department.

David Kelly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wesleyan College and a Master’s degree in Justice Administration from Methodist University. Furthermore, he is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program, the Virginia School of Polygraph, and earned his Criminal Investigator Certification from the NC Justice Academy.

Continuing, he holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission.

The Town of Emerald Isle NC announced that Interim Chief of Police Michael Panzarella was officially appointed to Chief of Police and will be sworn in on November 9, 2021. More recently, Chief Panzarella served as assistant chief since May 2020.

In addition to his appointment in 2021, he has a combined 30 years of service in law enforcement in the county which includes working in Pine Knoll Shore, Newport, and with the Carteret County Sheriff’s Department.

Prior accomplishments include being a patrol officer, detective, patrol supervisor, homicide investigator, school resource officer, hostage negotiator, DARE officer, school intelligence liaison, and with internal affairs at CCSO.

He has an associates degree in Criminal Justice from the local community college and holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate.

Congratulations to Chief Panzarella on his new role in service to Emerald Isle citizens.

September 2021 Police And Law Enforcement News

In September 2021, Sheriff Buck asked county commissioners for a 14.31% pay raise, but only 10% was approved citing other departments in the county also experiencing retention and recruitment issues.

The new 10% increase applies to all staff members within the department.

Sheriff Buck noted that the increase was needed because department staff rank second from the bottom in pay across all municipalities with the Morehead City Police Department being the highest, and the Newport Police Department being the lowest.

The original request for a 14.31% increase lost by a 4-3 vote.

June 2021

Emerald Isle Police Chief announces he will retire in July of 2021 after first joining the force as a part-time officer in 1999.

Chief Reese was appointed to his retiring position in January of 2017.

June 2, 2021 News

Morehead City Police Chief Bernette Morris announced that she will be retiring in November 2021 after almost 27 years with the department. Chief Morris spent 20 years on the force and spent the past 6 years as chief.

City council members anticipate at least 5 months of preparations in conducting a national search for a new chief.

We wish Bernette and her family the best in retirement and thank you for your decades in service to the people of Morehead City NC.

November 2020

The NC Sheriff’s Association held their annual fall meeting in Atlantic Beach during the weekend of the 14th and 15th. At the fall meeting, state sheriffs and other law enforcement officials discussed key issuers facing agencies in the state and also touched on community policing and improving relations with the public.

During the meeting, local sheriff Asa Buck spoke with members.

After the weekend meeting, local commissioners officially recognized area agencies for their efforts in keeping Carteret County communities safe.

October 2020

Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck announced that the 2020 prescription drug take back program “Pills Can Kill” will take place on October 24, 2020. This program runs in conjunction with the Carteret County Health Department’s “Operation Medicine Drop” which has the same goal of removing dangerous unused prescription medications homes where they can be stolen, misused, abused, and potentially kill.

This is a one day event and will take place at all 5 Food Lion stores in the county from 10 am till 2 pm. Local deputies and police officers in the county will be on-hand to accept these medications.

The sheriff did say deputies and officers will not be able to accept liquids, needles, or sharps of any kind.

September 3, 2020

In the interest of transparency and building trust in local law enforcement, Dean Wagaman of Kurtis Chevrolet met with Morehead City Police Chief Bernette Morris a provided a donation to help complete the process of funding body worn cameras for all police officers in the town.

During the meeting, Mr. Wagaman also provided face covers to the police chief to help protect the public and officers while completing their duties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEXT: Carteret County Sheriff discusses Operation One By One.

August 25, 2020

In cooperation with the NC Sheriffs in Pamlico County, Craven County, and the Morehead City Police Department, Sheriff Asa Buck and District Attorney Scott Thomas gave a joint press conference discussion ongoing drug investigations and arrest within the district that all three counties represent.

Specifically, here locally, Operation One By One to date netted almost 60 alleged drug dealers in the county. The Craven and Pamlico law enforcement officials have similar investigations going as well.

Operation One By One is still ongoing as of September 2020.