MEET THE SHERIFF
Sheriff Edward “Scooter” Basnight was born the son of a US Air Force Service member stationed in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone and was raised in Edenton, NC after moving back to the contiguous United States. He was appointed Sheriff of Chowan County in August 2020.

The Sheriff - Chowan County Sheriff's Office

Edward “Scooter” Basnight was born in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone, and raised in Edenton, North Carolina.

After successfully completing the Certified Basic Law Enforcement Training at Martin Community College, he became a full-time Police Officer at the Edenton Police Department. He served as a Patrol Officer until April 1999, when he was hired by the Elizabeth City Police Department.

In 2002, Edward was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff for Chowan County. In the performance of his duties as a Deputy Sheriff, Edward provided assistance and support to the Sheriff in daily activities and difficult situations, serving Chowan County for the next 17 years.

Edward ensured the canine was trained to standard of the North American Police Work Dog Association, and ready to be utilized as a dual Purpose K9 in Narcotic Detection and Patrol. His dedication to leadership and growth are reflected in his career with the Sheriff’s Office where he advanced to the position of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and finally as Chief Deputy under Sheriff Dwayne Goodwin.

Edward (Scooter) Basnight previously served as chief deputy, lieutenant, sergeant and deputy sheriff with the Chowan County Sheriff's Office. He also worked as a police officer with the Edenton Police Department and the Elizabeth City Police Department.

Basnight, who likewise was appointed to fill a vacancy after Democratic Sheriff Dwayne Goodwin’s retirement, won his bid for a full term on Tuesday. He collected 1,397 votes or 79.42% to Ferraraccio’s 362 votes or 20.58%.

Moreland defeats Bland in judges race; Cruden wins DA race; Gray ousts Midgett as Camden sheriff

Edward was appointed Sheriff of Chowan County in August 2020 to fill a vacancy. He later was elected to a full term.

Moreland defeats Bland in judge's race; Cruden wins DA race

2026 North Carolina General Election

Basnight said he plans to implement several new programs in the coming months, including body worn cameras, new subject-control techniques, and a new communications system to better communicate with the public.
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A long time K-9 handler and trainer, Scooter and his K-9 partner Rico were among the most recognizable members of the Sheriff’s Office. Edward ensured the canine was trained to standard of the North American Police Work Dog Association, and ready to be utilized as a dual Purpose K9 in Narcotic Detection and Patrol.

Plans to implement new techniques for controlling subjects.

Plans to implement a communications system to improve communication with the public.

Seeks to implement a communications system to improve communication with the public.

Ensured a canine was trained for narcotics detection and patrol work.

- Plans to implement body-worn cameras.
- Seeks to implement a communications system to improve communication with the public.
- Ensured a canine was trained for narcotics detection and patrol work.

Public Safety

As of April 6, 2026, Edward (Scooter) Basnight did not have a website or any information online.

Jail Management

Criminal Justice

LinkedIn

Edward (Scooter) Basnight

- Ensured a canine was trained for narcotics detection and patrol work.

As of April 6, 2026, Edward (Scooter) Basnight’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Edward is the Sheriff of Chowan County. He works at the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office, where he has been since 2002 and served as a Deputy Sheriff, K-9 handler, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Chief Deputy before his appointment in August 2020. He previously worked at the Elizabeth City Police Department as a community and patrol officer supervising the Southside Community Police Unit and at the Edenton Police Department as a patrol officer.

Supports transparency and accountability in policing.

Edward "Scooter" Basnight was born in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone, and raised in Edenton, North Carolina. He was appointed Sheriff of Chowan County in August 2020.

Edward is the sheriff of Chowan County. He previously worked as a deputy sheriff for Chowan County, a police officer for the Edenton Police Department, and a police officer for the Elizabeth City Police Department. 

Edward is currently the sheriff of Chowan County. He was appointed to the position in August 2020 and won his first election in 2022.

Wants to build trust between law enforcement and the community, advocating for transparency and accountability in policing.

Edward "Scooter" Basnight was born in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone, and raised in Edenton, North Carolina.

Edward (Scooter) Basnight has worked in law enforcement for over 20 years.

Edward (Scooter) Basnight ran for Chowan County sheriff in 2022 but did not win.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Kristy L. LaLonde

- 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. 