Carteret County has always been home to me. I’ve spent more than two decades in law enforcement, and every bit of that service has been dedicated to the community where I live, work, and raised my family.

I grew up right here in Carteret County and have stayed rooted in this area my entire life. I built my law enforcement career in Carteret County, working alongside people I’ve known for years and serving the same neighborhoods I’ve been proud to call home.

Franklin Rice: Community-Driven Carteret County Sheriff Candidate

Carteret County isn’t just where I work — it’s where my family is. I raised my children here, my parents live here, and much of my family continues to live and raise their families in this community. The decisions made by the Sheriff’s Office impact my own family, friends, and neighbors, and I never forget that.

Franklin Rice grew up in Carteret County and has lived there throughout his life. He raised his children in Carteret County.

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in nearly every major area of law enforcement, including Patrol, K-9, School Resource Officer (SRO), and Investigations. I’ve also held several supervisory and leadership roles, including serving as a Sergeant over Patrol, Criminal Investigation Sergeant, and Community Engagement Sergeant. Those assignments have given me a practical understanding of law enforcement operations and leadership from the ground level up.

In addition to my operational experience, I’m an instructor for Basic Law Enforcement Training at Carteret Community College, where I’ve taught multiple courses for several years. Training and mentoring new officers has reinforced what I’ve believed throughout my career: professionalism, accountability, and strong standards matter from day one.

A significant part of my service has focused on community involvement and prevention. As an SRO and D.A.R.E. Officer, I worked directly with students, parents, and educators, building relationships that extend beyond the classroom.

Franklin currently works as an instructor for Basic Law Enforcement Training at Carteret Community College. He previously worked as a School Resource Officer and D.A.R.E. Officer and served as a patrol sergeant, criminal investigation sergeant, and community engagement sergeant.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Franklin’s Vision for Carteret County
Community Focus
Accountability & Standards
Crime Prevention
Youth & Family Safety
Training & Wellness

Franklin supports a community policing approach where deputies are engaged, visible, and connected to the citizens they serve. Building relationships and understanding community needs leads to stronger public safety.

Franklin Rice for Carteret County Sheriff

I believe the Sheriff should be present, approachable, and actively engaged with the citizens of Carteret County. A Sheriff should work alongside the community, not separate from it. That belief has guided my career, and it will continue to guide my leadership moving forward.

Strong leadership requires consistent standards and accountability. Franklin is committed to clear expectations, professional conduct, and responsible decision-making at every level of the Sheriff’s Office.

Franklin believes in proactive public safety. Through collaboration, data-informed strategies, and community involvement, the Sheriff’s Office can reduce crime and strengthen safety across the county.

Franklin believes in proactive public safety. Through collaboration, data-informed strategies, and community involvement, the Sheriff’s Office can reduce crime and strengthen safety across the county.

Protecting young people and supporting families is essential. Franklin will strengthen partnerships with schools, expand prevention initiatives, and work closely with youth-focused organizations to keep students safe and supported.

Supports community policing through visible, engaged deputies and an approachable sheriff who works alongside residents.

Supports proactive crime prevention through collaboration, data-informed strategies, and community involvement.

Plans to strengthen school partnerships, expand prevention initiatives, and work with youth-focused organizations to support student safety.

- Supports community policing through visible, engaged deputies and an approachable sheriff who works alongside residents.
- Supports proactive crime prevention through collaboration, data-informed strategies, and community involvement.
- Plans to strengthen school partnerships, expand prevention initiatives, and work with youth-focused organizations to support student safety.

Public Safety

Protecting young people and supporting families is essential. Franklin will strengthen partnerships with schools, expand prevention initiatives, and work closely with youth-focused organizations to keep students safe and supported.

High-quality training ensures deputies are prepared and confident in their duties. Franklin supports continued professional development, crisis response training, and a focus on wellness and safety.

Supports continued deputy professional development, crisis-response training, and a focus on wellness and safety.

- Supports continued deputy professional development, crisis-response training, and a focus on wellness and safety.

Jail Management

Franklin supports a community policing approach where deputies are engaged, visible, and connected to the citizens they serve. Building relationships and understanding community needs leads to stronger public safety.

Strong leadership requires consistent standards and accountability. Franklin is committed to clear expectations, professional conduct, and responsible decision-making at every level of the Sheriff’s Office.

Commits to clear standards, professional conduct, and accountable decision-making throughout the Sheriff’s Office.

- Commits to clear standards, professional conduct, and accountable decision-making throughout the Sheriff’s Office.

Criminal Justice

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Franklin Rice

Mauricio Mendez

Walter Ley

John Nyberg

- The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law, managing security in jails and courtrooms. They also oversee daily conditions of the jail and inmates in custody and serve legal documents such as warrants and eviction notices. Their ultimate responsibility is to protect the community. 

Responsible for enforcing the law and overseeing jails. 