Deputy Ordered to Disarm by Shelby Social Security Office Manager, Sheriff Condemns Action

Deputy Ordered to Disarm by Shelby Social Security Office Manager, Sheriff Condemns Action.A startling incident unfolded at the Shelby Social Security Office in Cleveland County when a county deputy was instructed to disarm before entering the premises, as reported by Sheriff Alan Norman.

Deputy Ordered to Disarm by Shelby Social Security Office Manager, Sheriff Condemns Action

The Social Security Office, located in the 700 block of Schenck Street near East Grover Street, became an unexpected scene for the deputy, who had entered the building for official purposes while clearly identifying himself as a law enforcement officer.

 Concerns Over Officer Safety Arise

Sheriff Norman expressed deep concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers following this incident. The deputy was told by an employee to leave the building due to a directive from their manager, which required all law enforcement officers to be unarmed while on the premises.

Contradictory Policies and Lack of 911 Call

Norman discovered that this directive contradicts the policies observed at other Social Security Administrations across North Carolina. Additionally, the manager had instructed employees to call 911 if an officer entered the building, although no such call was made during this particular incident.

 SSA Responds to the Incident

The Social Security Administration (SSA) responded to the incident through its Regional Communications Director, shedding light on their security policies established by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service (FPS). These policies generally allow armed Federal, State, and local law enforcement authorities to enter federal offices when performing official law enforcement duties. However, they prohibit State and local law enforcement from carrying firearms into federal facilities while on personal business.

Sheriff Advocates for Transparency

Sheriff Norman felt compelled to inform citizens and taxpayers about the manager’s stance on law enforcement at the Shelby Social Security Office, emphasizing the need for transparency in this matter.