Perdue Under Fire Over Leadership of State Highway Patrol

Governor Perdue drew criticism from the media and political watchdogs for failing to take more decisive action to resolve ethics issues that have recently plagued the State Highway Patrol. Questions have even been raised as to whether Perdue improperly intervened in a promotion for Highway Patrol Commander Randy Glover.

Perdue: A few troopers are ‘killing’ the patrol’s image
By Michael Biesecker
News & Observer

Gov. Bev Perdue had tough talk Wednesday about a spate of behavioral problems at the N.C. Highway Patrol, saying she will have no tolerance for troopers who drive drunk, have sex on duty or assault women.

She said that all troopers will get ethics training and sign a code of conduct. And the governor stood steadfastly by the agency’s commander, Col. Randy Glover. …

Some of the solutions Perdue offered Wednesday reiterate standing policies. Troopers are already must get yearly ethics training to maintain their certification. Troopers also pledge to uphold the law and act honorably when they are sworn in, and the patrol already has a code of conduct.

“If you betray your oath, you will be dismissed,” Perdue said. “I don’t believe that since some of these men and women were sworn in 22 years ago that anybody has ever dared get in their face and say that ethics code is a litmus test for your job.”

There had been speculation that Perdue might replace Glover, an old friend from New Bern whom she promoted to commander last year. Perdue laid those rumors to rest Wednesday.

“He is as committed to this effort as I am,” she said of the commander. “Col. Glover got to where he was in the patrol because of his record and his excellence and his willingness to serve. I trust both the colonel and the secretary. I trust them to fix this mess.”

Joe Sinsheimer, a Democratic Party strategist-turned-watchdog, said he was not impressed.

“I think all North Carolina was hoping the governor would show some real leadership, which would mean replacing the commander of the Highway Patrol,” Sinsheimer said. “And instead, all we got today were words and no action. It’s pretty clear the Highway Patrol needs a cultural change and that change has to come from the top. Randy Glover and Reuben Young have already had an opportunity to put their imprint on the organization, and they failed.”

Glover has been dogged by questions about a disciplinary transfer he received as a young trooper over an extramarital affair with a sheriff’s dispatcher. Questions have also been raised about whether his long friendship with the governor aided his advancement.

The News & Observer reported Wednesday that a retired patrol secretary, Jacquelyn Walker, said Perdue intervened in 1995 to have Glover’s name added to an already-prepared promotion list. Perdue was then a powerful state senator, while Glover was a sergeant.

“I don’t think anybody can say who intervened when,” Perdue said Wednesday. “I’ll tell you what, I didn’t intervene when he went from lieutenant colonel to colonel.”

Asked whether Glover called her in 1995 to discuss a promotion, she said: “Randy Glover never asked me for a thing.”

Pressed on the question, she said, “I don’t intervene in promotions. I don’t intervene in promotions. I never intervene in promotions.”

Perdue then backed away from the lectern as a question was directed at Glover. She turned and left the room through a side door. She had been there less than 15 minutes. …

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