Richlands’ top cop is prohibited from carrying a badge and firearm because he failed recent firearms qualifications.
Thomas Bennett, who has been Richlands police chief since 1999, was suspended as a law enforcement officer by the state’s Criminal Justice Standards Division on Feb. 7, said Jennifer Canada, spokeswoman for the N.C. Justice Department.
Bennett said he is still able to perform his job duties related to managing the police department.
“I am the chief administrator for the Richlands Police Department,” he said. “That hasn’t changed, except I will retire in July.”
Bennett’s suspension letter and firearms test scores are not considered public record.
He placed well below the minimum score for annual firearms training, according to a lawenforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. In order to be a certified law enforcement officer in North Carolina, a person must qualify with a minimum score of 70 out of 100. Bennett scored a 40, according to the source.
He has been asked to take the test again, Town Administrator Gregg Whitehead said.
Bennett remains the police department chief administrator and will serve in that capacity until he retires in July, the town board determined in closed session at a March meeting, Whitehead said.
Bennett is also not allowed to drive a police cruiser. Since the notice was made Bennett has been driving a town-owned white Crown Victoria, which doesn’t have blue lights, Whitehead said.
Even if the car was equipped with lights, as long as the lights were not used, Bennett could drive the vehicle without violating his suspension, Canada said.
“There is nothing illegal about driving a car with blue lights as long as those blue lights are not activated and they are not taking any enforcement action,” she said.
Bennett scoffed at questions as to whether he has carried a badge or driven a police cruiser since his notification.
“Lies and rumors can fly. Whatever you print, you print; but it’s taken care of,” he said.
Bennett, who has 35 years in law enforcement, including holding the rank of captain in Richlands before being made chief and time as a sheriff’s deputy in Michigan, said he has served the people of Richlands well.
Whitehead echoed that sentiment, saying Bennett would be missed once he retires.
whitehead, bennett... black cop, white drug czar, calling it now.... EXPLOITATION...
PS Hi BILL
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