Board of Delegates Meeting Sunset Beach

Photos 1  |  Photos 2

On October 12, 2001, Chairman Ron Brooks opened the meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance. The meeting was hosted by the North Carolina Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. (NCNEOA) Some delegates and representatives were unable to attend due to the troubling times of September 11, 2001 attacks. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office color guard presented the colors and the Pledge of allegiance to the Flag with the Sheriffs Chaplain giving the invocation. A moment of silence was held in memory of those who perished in the September 11 attacks.

Phil Little of NCNEOA welcomed all of us in attendance to North Carolina. He then introduced Chief Jay Kerr, Sunset Beach Police Department who thanked NNOAC for having our meeting in Sunset Beach. Sheriff Ronald Hewitt, Sheriff of Brunswick County also welcomed everyone present.

Steve Surratt, President of NCNEOA, thanked everyone for attending and introduced Mr. Brian Beatty, Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety who spoke about the fact that drugs being smuggled into the United States are a form of terrorism.

Mr. Kevin Whaley, Associate Special Agent in Charge, DEA Houston field office, gave a presentation on ways to be an advocate for legislation and public policy. He also spoke on how much impact local law enforcement can have on legislation in Washington D.C.

Mr. Michael Townsend, Executive Vice President of Partnership for a Drug Free America spoke about demand reductions role in the fight against drugs. He showed a videotape of 5 TV spots, which are geared towards demand reduction amongst youngsters. He stated that studies have shown that Partnership advertising helps with the attitudes of youngsters in using drugs for the first time.

The Honorable Robert Orr, Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court gave a presentation on drugs during lunch.

Mr. Don Taylor and Lt. Col. Don Linder of the National Guard Bureau gave an update on the National Guard Counter Drug Programs.

Mr. Joe Peters, Director Bureau of State and Local Affairs, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, gave a presentation on White House Drug Control Policy and ways to develop a comprehensive approach to drug policies.

Mr. Gerald P. Lynch, Chairman of the RISS Directors Association gave an update on RISS projects and how information for all officers in the country is integrated. He also spoke of the need for partnership between State and Local agencies.

Mr. William Alden, Deputy Director of D.A.R.E. America spoke about the new Dare program and the recent surveys that give Dare some bad knocks. Mr. Alden explained how these surveys did not fully show the Dare programs.

Vice Chairman Bob Ferris, NNOAC, opened the floor for nominations for the elections for the positions of Chairman and Recording Secretary. Ron Brooks was nominated for the Chairman position with no opposition. Al Katcher was nominated for the position of Recording Secretary with no opposition. With no opposition both positions were filled by acclamation.

Chairman Brooks reported that during the last 8 months he has been to Washington D.C. approximately 20 times. During these trips he has been able to change from his CNOA hat to his NNOAC hat and discuss issues of concern to the Coalition. Chairman Brooks reported that he has had many conversations on Capital Hill, including DEA Administrator Hutchins on the legalization issue. His conversations in Washington have been on the need to keep focused on the drug issues. Chairman Brooks feels that the legalization advocates will find way to use the need for terrorism funds to help the legalization push. We have to remember that 16,000 Americans lose their lives, every year, to drugs and the cost to America is in the billions.


October 13, 2001

Chairman Brooks opened the meeting and thanked the NCNEOA for hosting the shrimparoo and bar-b-q dinner the night before. A great time was had by all.

Ms. Robin Pendergraft, Director of the North Carolina Bureau of Investigations spoke about the fine job that is being done by the North Carolina narcotic investigators.

Mr. Gary Wade, Chief of the Training Division, DEA gave an overview of the DEA’s training program.

Special Agent Omar A. Aleman, Demand Reduction Coordinator, DEA Miami Field Division, gave an excellent presentation on drug abuse problems today and the importance of demand reduction.

Vice Chairman Ferris and Washington State Delegate Roger Lake attended a meeting in Washington D.C. of the Alliance for Model State Drug Laws and the meeting focused on the many problems with HMO insurance when addicts try to enter treatment centers.

Chairman Brooks said that the next delegate meeting will be held in Washington D.C. on April 4th and 5th, 2002 at the Hyatt Regency, Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

In October 2002, the Tennessee Narcotic Officers Association will be hosting the NNOAC Delegate meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.

Chairman Brooks adjourned the meeting and thanked his Association, CNOA, and his Chief Christy McCampbell, California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement for all the latitude given to him to accomplish NNOAC business.

We hope to see everyone in Washington D.C. in April 2002.