Paula S. Dance earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice and criminology from Mount Olive University. 

Paula is the sheriff of Pitt County. She works at the Pitt County Sheriff's Office, where she has been for her 30-year law enforcement career. She previously served as a deputy sheriff and held leadership roles through promotions within the same office.

Paula Dance | NC DOA

Meet the Sheriff | Pitt County Sheriff I North Carolina

Filing off to fast start; Williams challenges Dance for Pitt County sheriff

Paula is the sheriff of Pitt County. She works at the Pitt County Sheriff's Office, where she has been for her 30-year law enforcement career. She previously served as a deputy sheriff.

Paula S. Dance is currently the Sheriff of Pitt County. She was elected in 2018 and is serving her second term.

Pitt County Sheriff Paula S. Dance to seek re-election in 2026

Supports community policing strategies that build trust and engagement, particularly within schools and youth programs.

For Candidate Paula S. Dance on Issue public-safety:  
Supports using data-driven approaches to identify crime trends and allocate resources effectively.

Supports using data-driven approaches to identify crime trends and allocate resources effectively.

Prioritizes key issues such as opioid abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence.

- Supports community policing strategies that build trust and engagement, particularly within schools and youth programs.
- Supports using data-driven approaches to identify crime trends and allocate resources effectively.
- Prioritizes key issues such as opioid abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence.

Public Safety

For Candidate Paula S. Dance on Issue jail-management: Supports expanding the body-worn camera program to include all detention officers at the Pitt County Detention Center.

Supports expanding the body-worn camera program to include all detention officers at the Pitt County Detention Center.

Supports implementing a Co-Responder program to better address mental health in jail management.

Supports the NC RISE program to address inmate mental health.

Supported the NC RISE (Restoring Individuals Safely and Effectively) program to address inmate mental health.

- Supports expanding the body-worn camera program to include all detention officers at the Pitt County Detention Center.
- Supports implementing a Co-Responder program to better address mental health in jail management.
- Supported the NC RISE (Restoring Individuals Safely and Effectively) program to address inmate mental health.

Jail Management

Supports using grant funding and alternative solutions to develop programs aimed at reducing recidivism and improving community safety.

- Supports using grant funding and alternative solutions to develop programs aimed at reducing recidivism and improving community safety.

Criminal Justice

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Paula S. Dance

Paula S. Dance earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice and criminology from Mount Olive University, She completed the Management Development Program at Pitt Community College and has an advanced law enforcement certificate.

Supports continuing the use of body-worn cameras to protect both deputies and the public.

For Candidate Paula S. Dance on Issue public-safety:  
Supports expanding the body-worn camera program for detention officers to enhance protection for both officers and inmates.

Supports expanding the body-worn camera program for detention officers to enhance protection for both officers and inmates.

For Candidate Paula S. Dance on Issue jail-management:  
Achieved equitable pay levels for deputies and detention officers.

Created equitable pay levels for deputies and detention officers.

Supports expanding the deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in jail management.

- Supports expanding the body-worn camera program to include all detention officers at the Pitt County Detention Center.
- Supports implementing a Co-Responder program to better address mental health in jail management.
- Created equitable pay levels for deputies and detention officers.
- Supports expanding the deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in jail management.
- Supported the NC RISE (Restoring Individuals Safely and Effectively) program to address inmate mental health.

- Supports using data-driven approaches to identify crime trends and allocate resources effectively.
- Prioritizes key issues such as opioid abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence.

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Paula is from Martin County, North Carolina. She attended Bear Grass High School. She has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and criminology from Mount Olive University. She also holds an advanced law enforcement certificate and completed the management development program at Pitt Community College. She lives with her three children and two grandchildren.

Paula S. Dance is currently the sheriff of Pitt County. She was first elected in 2018 and is serving her second term.

Plans to prioritize addressing opioid abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence.

As sheriff, announced updates to the jail's recovery program, saying it "has been effective in restoring inmates' capacity to proceed with their court cases."

Plans to expand the body-worn camera program to include all detention officers at the Pitt County Detention Center.

Implemented a Co-Responder program to address mental health.

As a sheriff, worked to ensure fair pay for deputies and detention officers.

As sheriff, expanded the deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

As sheriff, instituted the NC RISE (Restoring Individuals Safely and Effectively) program to address inmate mental health.

Supports using grant and alternative funding to develop programs aimed at reducing repeat offenses.

- 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. 