Pat Brand
389 Country
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office had a demanding year in 2024, responding to a total of 8,114 calls for service, averaging 22 calls per day, according to a detailed report compiled by Clay County 911 Director Kevin Sellers and the Sheriff’s Office. The data highlights the diverse and often time-intensive nature of the office’s work, ranging from quick welfare checks to multi-day investigations involving assaults, break-ins, and child abuse cases.
The Sheriff’s Office, staffed by 22 sworn officers, 15 detention officers, a receptionist, and three administrators, handled a wide array of incidents. Among the notable calls for service were 212 motor vehicle accidents, 100 domestic physical assaults, 91 larcenies, 12 sexual assaults, and 728 vehicle stops. Officers also responded to 402 requests for extra patrols, 290 reports of suspicious people or activities, and 275 welfare checks. Additionally, the office assisted with 82 stranded motorists, 68 livestock-in-the-road incidents, and 38 funeral escorts, showcasing their broad community support role.
Beyond traditional law enforcement duties, Clay County officers frequently supported EMS, Fire & Rescue, and the N.C. Highway Patrol, often arriving first to assess emergencies or manage traffic at accident scenes. “We’re proud of our excellent working relationships with all our first responder partners,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
In 2024, the Clay County Detention Center processed 339 bookings on 419 criminal charges, including 64 drug-related arrests resulting in 98 charges. Not all charged individuals entered the facility—many received criminal summonses or were released on personal recognizance, reflecting a pragmatic approach to minor offenders.
The reintroduced inmate work crew proved a significant asset, logging 3,108.25 hours of community service in 2024. Tasks included roadside litter pickup, landscaping, and firewood preparation for the Hinton Rural Life Center, which distributes around 700 truckloads of firewood annually to residents in need. At an estimated labor rate of $20 per hour, this effort equates to over $62,000 in value.
The Sheriff’s “Special Operations” Division, responsible for courtroom security, process service, animal control, and evidence management, served 345 civil processes and over 400 subpoenas amid an uptick in court sessions, now averaging two to three per week. Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Auxiliary—a volunteer group initiated under former Sheriff Vic Davis—reached an all-time high in membership. Its 19 members provided critical support, from courthouse screening to traffic control at special events, completing a successful Citizen’s Academy in 2024.
With a budget of $3,779,775 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Clay County ranks third among the seven westernmost North Carolina counties in sheriff’s office funding relative to population. The Sheriff’s Office credits the Clay County Board of Commissioners for their robust support of the county’s sole law enforcement agency.
Reflecting on the year, the Sheriff’s Office emphasized its team’s versatility, with staff stepping up across roles to meet demands, though the Detention Center’s round-the-clock staffing requirements remain inflexible. As Clay County’s primary law enforcement and community service provider, the office’s 2024 efforts underscore its commitment to public safety and welfare.
Comments