New Caldwell sheriff takes reins

Jones says he’ll uphold drug initiatives, work to heal department after Clark’s death

Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

LENOIR - More than 20 years ago, when Alan Jones was attending Appalachian State University, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do after he finished school, his mother remembers.

But then, one day, he picked up a friend's criminal justice textbook and decided to make a career of law enforcement.

"We said, `Uh, like a policeman?' " his mother, Barbara Jones, recalled. "And he said, `Yeah.' We told him that was too dangerous, and he said, `Well, so is crossing the road.' "

Last week, less than two decades after graduating with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Lenoir native Alan Jones was sworn in as Caldwell County's newest sheriff.

But, unlike most sheriffs taking office, Jones wasn't elected.

Jones, 41, is succeeding Gary Clark, who died Feb. 2, less than three months after winning a second term as sheriff and less than two months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Jones was appointed by the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners last week.

The biggest challenge, at least in the beginning, Jones said, will be making the transition from Clark's administration to his own. Jones, who had been friends with Clark since working with him at the Lenoir Police Department 20 years ago, said the entire department is still recovering from the loss.

"We just swore in Sheriff Clark and to do it again, it hit us pretty hard," he said after his appointment ceremony last week.

Jones doesn't have any plans to change the direction of the Sheriff's Office, he said, and will continue to focus on drug-related crime and bringing drug education into county schools.

"We'll never let up on that," he said.

That's comforting news to some Caldwell County leaders, like board of commissioners Chairman Faye Higgins, who think Clark was taking the office in a good direction.

Jones has "got some big shoes to step into," Higgins said. "Alan takes his responsibility very seriously but can make you feel comfortable when talking to him."

Capt. Scott Brown of the Lenoir police has known Jones for more than 20 years and called him "one of the most professional law officers" he has ever worked with.

"What separates good law enforcement officers from great law enforcement officers are their convictions and their ethics," said Brown, "and I've always considered him right there at the top."

The new sheriff's reputation is promising for the department, said Bob Brady, chief judge for the 25th judicial district, who administered the oath of office to Jones last week.

"He's always professional, competent and capable," Brady said. "He has his bases covered because he's an administrator and a law enforcement officer."

Jones' experience and education, which includes a master's degree in public administration, Higgins said, will help create a stronger office.

"It's a lot of hard work to have a job and go to school," she said. "But (he's) going to encourage his officers to get a higher education."

Jones has been in office for less than a week, most of which was spent at Sheriff's Association meetings in Durham, but some are already campaigning for a second term.

Terry Kemp, a retired furniture worker, has known Jones about 10 years and is already looking to 2010. Immediately after Jones was sworn in as the county's newest sheriff, Kemp pasted the first "Elect Alan Jones Sheriff" sticker on the back window of his pickup.

"I wanted to put this on my truck and be behind him," Kemp said. "He's just like Gary: honest, true. You can't expect a better man."

Alan Clinton Jones

Party: Republican.

Age: 41.

Birthplace: Lenoir.

Family: Wife, Kim; children Garrett Jones and Jillian Jones.

Professional background: Served as patrolman, sergeant, detective and lieutenant during his 14-year tenure with the Lenoir Police Department; chief deputy at the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, 2002-06.

Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Appalachian State University, 1988; Southern Police Institute, University of Kentucky, Louisville, 1998; master's degree in public administration, Appalachian State University, 2006.

Religious/civic involvement:
Member of Central Baptist Church; member of the N.C. Sheriff's Association; member of Southern States Police Benevolent Association.

What are the top issues facing the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office?
Jones said making the transition from previous Sheriff Gary Clark, who began serving his second term earlier this year, will be one of the largest hurdles early in his administration. Beyond that, Jones said, he is planning to continue to run the office as Clark had, including focusing on drug-related crime and evaluating budget concerns.


All content © THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER and may not be republished without permission.