Why Pursuit-Termination Training Is Essential for Johnston County

Vehicle pursuits are among the most dangerous events deputies face in the line of duty. These incidents unfold rapidly, require split-second decisions, and involve significant risk to the public, to deputies, and to fleeing suspects. As Johnston County continues to grow, the Sheriff’s Office must keep pace with modern safety practices, professional training standards, and transparent record-keeping.

In May 2025, as part of our commitment to transparency and modernization, we submitted a public records request for basic information about pursuit-termination training. What we received raises serious questions about the consistency of training practices, documentation, and readiness.

This position paper explains why pursuit-termination training matters, what the gaps in the current system reveal, and how a modernized approach will strengthen safety and public confidence.

What We Requested and Why

On May 28, 2025, our campaign requested foundational information related to pursuit-termination tactics. Specifically, we asked for:

• How many deputies are trained in Stop Sticks

• How many are trained in the PIT maneuver

• Whether any other approved tactics exist

• The date range for training and renewals

• The source or provider of the training

  
  

These are standard operational readiness questions—routine for any professional agency—and essential for understanding whether deputies have the tools and training needed to safely end dangerous pursuits.

What the Sheriff's Office Provided

The response stated:

• 110 deputies were reported as trained in Stop Sticks,

• The PIT maneuver is not taught, and

• Deputies received Stop Stick training in September and December of 2025.

However, the response lacked critical context and raised new concerns.

Key Gaps Identified

1. All documented training occurred after our request was submitted.No prior dates, certifications, or renewal records were provided—despite a claim that Stop Stick training has been ongoing “for a decade.”

2. No documentation from previous years was included.If training has been occurring annually or routinely, no proof was offered.

3. No clarity on whether the sessions were initial certifications or refresher courses.

4. No information about who conducted the training—sheriff’s staff, outside instructors, or certified vendors.

5. No standards or renewal expectations (annual, biennial, etc.) were provided.

6. No data on how many deputies are actually issued Stop Sticks in the field, which is critical for operational readiness.

   
   

These omissions highlight an urgent need for updated systems, modern documentation, and transparent training practices.

Pursuits Are Not Rare—They Are Routine

The Sheriff’s Office also provided pursuit data showing multiple pursuits each month:

• 3 pursuits in August 2024

• 4 pursuits in November 2024

• 3 pursuits in March 2025

• 9 pursuits in June 2025

• 6 pursuits in July 2025

• Additional pursuits through August 5, 2025

  
  

These are not isolated incidents. Pursuit-related decisions are being made regularly, and every one of them carries real risk.

In addition, recent events highlight the seriousness of the issue:

• A 45-minute high-speed chase on I-95 (October 31, 2025) ended with multiple crashes.

• A motorcycle pursuit in September 2025 ended in a crash on Mount Pleasant Road.

• Another motorcycle pursuit reached nearly 120 mph before ending in a wreck.

  
  

Each of these incidents underscores why proper training—to safely end a pursuit—is not optional. It is essential.

Why Proper Pursuit-Termination Training Matters

According to the manufacturer, Stop Stick deployment requires officers to be “properly trained in this deployment method,” and training is described as “imperative.” National best-practice guidance recommends periodic refresher training, clear documentation, and consistent oversight to minimize risk.

When pursuits happen regularly at high speeds, deputies must have:

• Clear, modern training standards

• Properly issued equipment

• Up-to-date refresher courses

• Documented training history

• Confidence in the tools they are expected to use

• 
  

This is not about blame—it is about readiness and professionalism.

Johnston County residents expect their Sheriff’s Office to operate with the same rigor and accountability seen in modern law-enforcement agencies across North Carolina and the nation.

The Current Gaps Reveal a Bigger Problem

The issues highlighted in the public records response point to systemic deficiencies:

• Outdated or incomplete training files

• No clearly defined renewal cycle

• Missing or non-existent documentation

• Unclear standards for equipment assignment

• No official PIT or alternative termination tactic training

  
  

When the record-keeping is unclear, it becomes impossible to evaluate whether deputies are fully prepared—or whether training is happening in a consistent, structured way.

In a growing county facing modern public-safety challenges, that is unacceptable.

My Commitment to Johnston County

As Sheriff, I will immediately implement reforms to ensure deputies have the training, equipment, and oversight they need.

1. Clear, Accurate Training Documentation

Every training session—initial or refresher—will be recorded, filed, and publicly reportable.

2. Recurring Tactical Training

High-risk procedures like Stop Stick deployment will require scheduled refreshers, consistent with national best practices.

3. Equipment Issued to Officers Trained to Use It

Only deputies trained and current in certification will be assigned Stop Sticks or any pursuit-termination tool.

4. Modernized Pursuit Policies

Updated policies will reflect:

• National recommendations

• Best practices from comparable agencies

• The unique needs of a high-growth county

5. Transparency and Public Accountability

We will maintain clear records, respond fully to public information requests, and publish annual training summaries.

Preparation, professionalism, and transparency should never be optional—especially when lives are at stake.

Pursuits will always come with risk, but those risks can be reduced through proper training, clear policies, and reliable documentation. Johnston County deputies deserve modern standards that reflect the demands of today’s law-enforcement environment. The community deserves confidence that their Sheriff’s Office is operating with professionalism and transparency.

By strengthening pursuit-termination training, improving accountability, and modernizing procedures, we can support our deputies, protect the public, and build a Sheriff’s Office ready for the challenges ahead.

Randy Ackley,

GOP Candidate for Sheriff