Police Blotter 2/6/2013

Ocracoke officers also served a writ of execution, which is a civil paper issued when property has been re-possessed. These have grown more common since 2008, said Sergeant Jason Daniels, with the department now formally delivering news of foreclosure once or twice a year.

Police responded last week to a complaint of trespassing. Charges were written for 2nd degree trespassing and for resisting, delaying and obstructing arrest--both misdemeanors. The man also received two felony charges, for assault on an officer and misconduct by a prisoner.

"Spitting on an officer will get you that charge," noted Daniels. The alleged perpetrator is in Central Prison in Raleigh, awaiting trial.

With the island otherwise slow and relatively crime free, officers are at work on continued training.

Everyone wearing a badge in North Carolina does 24 hours of mandated in service training each year, said Daniels. Instruction covers topics like Juvenile Minority Sensitivity, Domestic Violence, Mass Disturbances and School Shootings.

Ocracoke officers are often first on the scene at accidents, and Daniels said deputies refresh their knowledge each year of how to safely deal with blood born pathogens and hazardous materials.

"We have a jail, and we're in close proximity with inmates. It is important to protect yourself and your family," said Daniels.

While recognizing the placards on vehicles transporting hazmats may be "second nature to the fire department, it is not to us," he said. Continued training enforces their knowledge of how to "know what you're dealing with, establish a proper buffer zone, and clear and maintain the scene."

Deputies take classes online, through Pitt Community College. While online coursework is "a little more aggravating" than sitting in a classroom, it saves the department a chunk of money, said Daniels.

The Ocracoke Sheriff's Department is also taking advantage of the off season to record public service announcements for WOVV 90.1 FM, the island's non-commercial radio station, as they prefer to educate rather than write tickets.