Police officer in question honest and correct
I was stunned to see two articles on page one of the Sunday paper regarding Selena Nelson.
I have known Selena and her family for 25 years. Her father was our landscaper and she helped him. I began mentoring her as a high school student and we were pleased to work with her during her college years and beyond.
She was hardworking and always held down jobs. In every dealing we had with her during all those years she was honest and correct.
We cheered her on as she graduated from college and again at the Police Academy, where she was the graduate selected to march in carrying the flag.
The next time I saw Selena, she was a Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputy. She was wearing a reflector vest on U.S. 278 and was competently directing traffic around an accident scene. She subsequently spent more than 13 years with the Sheriff’s Office and rose to the rank of sergeant.
The sensational, Enquirer-style smear I read on Sunday regarding Selena is at odds with the person I know.
And is it standard procedure to release information and photos of a polygraph test while a confidential proceeding is ongoing?
She has, to my knowledge, always conducted herself in a professional manner and has been a faithful public servant. She is a spirited young woman who had the courage to enter what has been a mainly male occupation. I admire her greatly and look forward to seeing her certification restored.
Carmen Alden Cunningham
Hilton Head Island
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This story was originally published January 27, 2018 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Police officer in question honest and correct."