Wow, 2007 is gone! This past year really went by fast. There is no doubt that 2007 has brought about a lot of change. For Randy, Rickey, myself and law enforcement all across the state it really was a year of change! We got together this past year and decided that we could build a better product. We formed the North Carolina Sheriff Police Alliance. We formed it because we thought that, through the NCSPA, we could better represent North Carolina law enforcement officers by keeping all of your money and efforts here in North Carolina. We feel that with all the years of experience fighting for the rank and file officers we could clearly offer something different and more accountable to the membership. So we started an organization that is based on customer service and a real time response to issues. We had our doubters.

Not many people in the employee representation business thought we could get it done. But you, the the rank and file officers, believed we could. You have responded to the desire for an honest hard working organization designated to work for the members who need help the most. The response has been overwhelming, eclipsing even our goals.

The law enforcement officers of North Carolina face many new challenges in 2008. First and probably foremost we will elect a governor. This is a crucial election for law enforcement in North Carolina. We must elect a governor that sees the need for a better retirement and future for our law enforcement officers. Our profession is standing at the crossroads of a crisis. Law enforcement agencies must face the recruiting shortcomings and the internal demons in order to return this profession to the prestige we once had. We must pursue fair and reasonable treatment for our officers and a 25 Year Retirement. This all starts with the upcoming governors’ election.

We as law enforcement officers can have a say in the outcome of this election. We need to stand together and pursue changes for the better in our profession. This means better pay and benefits so that we can attract quality candidates to the law enforcement profession once again. The North Carolina Sheriff Police Alliance will screen the governor candidates in early spring. We will screen them not only on the promises they may make but also on their past track record with law enforcement issues. Hard hitting questions will be asked of the candidates. We will take the lead and inform you as to whom we think offers the best future for law enforcement right here in North Carolina.

We are an organization dedicated to building for the future, while advocating in the present for our members. We will not fall asleep at the wheel. You can depend on us to put your best interests forward. The North Carolina Sheriff Police Alliance hopes that 2008 is your best year ever. We will be working hard to guarantee your future in this profession from day one of the New Year. Thank you for letting us be there for each of you. We realize that you are the reason we exist, and we will not forget that. God bless ya’ll, Andy Miller, President N. C. Sheriff Police Alliance 866 736-2772 andy@ncpolice.org