WALNUT COVE — A planned meeting between Stokes County Sheriff Joey Lemons and the Town of Walnut Cove Board of Commissioners will not be rescheduled thanks to immediate and noticeable improvements in law enforcement in the town.
The town officials had discussed citizen concerns with public safety at their March 14 meeting, which was recessed without adjourning in anticipation of continuing in a special meeting with the sheriff.
“We have not talked about having another meeting because a lot of things have transpired since then,” said Mayor Nellie Brown. “They’re doing absolutely great.”
The March 14 meeting was officially closed at the beginning of the April 11 town meeting, during which Sheriff Lemons presented a quarterly report to the Board of Commissioners.
(The April 11 meeting was cut short due to a tornado warning and will be resumed on April 25 at 6:30 at the Walnut Cove Public Library).
The report included the number of calls the sheriff’s office received in during the first three months of 2024 according to the type of calls, a wide variety that reflects the scope of the office’s service.
Of eight break-in calls during that time period, only one was reportable (an actual crime incident). Ten larceny calls were received.
Of five discharging of firearms calls, only two were reportable.
Other types of calls included 911 hang ups, disturbances, paper service, traffic stops and trespassing. The office also performed 992 security checks during the time period.
The sheriff noted that the office received 65 reports of suspicious person or activity, which he said was helpful.
He referenced the New York City post-9/11 mantra of “if you see something, say something.”
“I believe that’s absolutely imperative that we do that,” Lemons said, “and encourage folks, if you do see something out of the way, something don’t look right, let’s go take a look at it. You’re not bothering us. I would a whole lot rather go out and find out nothing’s going on then find out that maybe somebody stealing or whatever.”
The sheriff also encouraged citizens to take advantage of the security check service. Those who will be out of town can call the dispatch center and letting them know when they’ll be out of town, and a deputy will check on the residence periodically.
Commissioner Chad Jarvis was encouraged by the number of suspicious person or vehicle calls as evidence that people are watching out for their neighbors.
Commissioner Thomas Mitchell said he’s witnessed deputies sitting in cars for hours at a time and would like them to be more proactive.
Lemons noted that while there are legitimate reasons for deputies to be stationary in their vehicles for periods of time, he would be happy to address that with staff.
Mitchell, and any other constituents with similar concerns, was encouraged to note the day, time and location and let the sheriff’s office know directly.
“One thing when I ran for office, I said this, and I stand by it,” Lemons said, “I’m not going to lie to you. I’m going to tell you the truth, whether it’s good or bad, I’m going to tell you the truth. And you have my word on that.”
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