POLICE CHIEF VOWS CHANGES IN POLICY

Fayetteville Police Chief Tom McCarthy plans to make traffic enforcement,
the fight against street narcotics and reducing the number of residential
and commercial break-ins his priorities.

McCarthy said the Police Department is also reviewing its high-speed chase
procedures and taking steps to guard against racial profiling.

McCarthy explained his plans to the Concerned Foxfire Citizen Association
on Monday. It was McCarthy first visit to the association since becoming
the city's police chief two months ago. About 30 people attended the
meeting at the Bonnie Doone District fire station.

He said the department needed to increase its traffic enforcement efforts
because there are too many fatalities in the city.

He said part of the problem with racial profiling is defining the issue.
What was designed as a tool to help police recognize drug dealers has
"backfired because we've forgotten important Fourth Amendments right
regarding searches and seizures," he said.

McCarthy said anyone stopped in Fayetteville should be told by police
officers why they are stopped and that searches are voluntary unless police
have probably cause.

He said people should also expect respect from his officers.

"We want to talk to people as people," he said.

"We want to do the right thing, and do it the right way," McCarthy said.
McCarthy said the department has strict rules regarding high-speed chases.

Overall, "I hate police chases," but he cautioned, "you don't want to get
the word out that you won't chase."