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Sheriff describes enforcement procedures to Forest Hills leaders
By Samantha Blanton and Justin Goble
In an effort to clear up a May misunderstanding, law enforcement officials met with Forest Hills leaders on Monday (Aug. 1).
Sheriff Jimmy Ashe, joined by Lt. Kim Hooper, discussed how the sheriff’s office can deal with problems in the Forest Hills area.
In the past, Forest Hills contracted off-duty officers to patrol roads on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the so-called “party nights” for Western Carolina University students.
In May, Forest Hills board members expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the deputies, whom the town was paying about $20 an hour.
Town officials complained that the off-duty officers did not have the jurisdiction to issue citations when off duty. Though law enforcement officials said that officers have that authority even when off-duty, Ashe said that there is often a better course of action.
“Sitting down and discussing the problem usually does more than issuing 100 citations,” Ashe said.
He also explained that, in extreme circumstances, county officials have right to shut the offending institution down.
While the board expressed displeasure with the problems that come with being located next to a major university, Ashe, a former WCU police officer, said he believed the students are not as big a nuisance as made out to be.
“College is a stressful place,” he said. “These kids are just relieving stress, but they need to do it in a controlled environment.”
He was also quick to commend the university for its cooperation with his office.
“The university is great to work with. They handle problems quickly and efficiently,” Ashe said. “I know the KA house has caused problems in the area, along with other frat parties, but the judicial affairs department of WCU addressed it,” Ashe said.
Ultimately, Ashe said the Sheriff is there to serve and help the people of Forest Hills.
“We are here because we want community input. We want to link with citizens to make the community better,” Ashe said.
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