Kerley steps into new role as Morganton's downtown officer

For Officer Jonah Kerley, serving Morganton is a family tradition. Now, the city’s newest downtown officer is building his own path while strengthening ties with local businesses.

Kerley, born and raised in Morganton, grew up watching his father, Scott Kerley, serve the community for 30 years as part of Morganton Public Safety before retiring as a captain. His father’s example inspired him to join the department in 2017.

“I just wanted to follow in his footsteps a little bit but also build my own legacy here and carry on the second generation of law enforcement,” Kerley said, adding that he always knew law enforcement was the career path he wanted to pursue.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been enthralled in the law enforcement world and trying to help out and give back to the community,” Kerley said. He graduated from Patton High School in 2013, earned his associates degree at Western Piedmont Community College, and later attended Lees-McRae College to pursue a criminal justice degree.

Kerley began his career as a patrol officer and served as a field training officer for three or four years, training at least eight or nine other officers. Field training for new officers takes place after academy instruction and pairs them with experienced officers to apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations.

Patrol, Kerley said, is the backbone of the department, adding that he took pride in serving in that role, answering calls for service throughout the entire city. In his new role as downtown officer, Kerley serves as a liaison between business owners and the department and is available to address their complaints or reports.

“This is more designed to be self-sufficient, proactive, where you’re making rounds, doing foot patrol, getting to know business owners, building relationships one-on-one with them so you can be there to assist them with anything that they need,” Kerley said.

Already making those connections, Kerley has been making contact with businesses and providing them with his contact information. He is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless he is working a special event on the weekends.

Kerley starts his new role at a time when several changes are coming to downtown. The social district will start on Sept. 10, and Kerley said he will be helping to ensure that the downtown area remains safe for the community. Any violations of the law will be addressed and enforced, he said.

The Morganton City Council also recently passed a ban on occupying, camping, or sleeping in all city-owned and operated parks and public spaces from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Before strict enforcement begins, officers are educating the public about the new rules. During the department’s education period, Kerley has been working to support people experiencing homelessness by connecting them with resources and assistance.

“We’re trying to give them every opportunity we can to help them before this becomes implemented,” Kerley said, adding that he has been distributing printed materials listing resources in Burke County and surrounding areas.

Kerley is the city’s only downtown officer, replacing Michael Cristobal, who has moved into an investigator role. “He really set the standard for what this position should be, so I try to live up to that when I come to work,” Kerley said.

Kerley said he most enjoys the sense of family at Morganton Public Safety and takes pride in the department’s efforts to stay engaged and transparent with the community.

“He does an excellent job,” said Josiah Brown, field operations captain. “He’s dependable, a hard worker, there when you need him, and we’re looking forward to having him in this new role,” he said.

Tim Corriveau, professional standards captain, shared a similar sentiment. “I’ve had the opportunity of watching Jonah Kerley grow up as a young man,” he said. “I watched him mature over the years, and he’s definitely going to set the standard high in this position that he’s going into.”

“His ability to communicate with people and the skills he has come from a long line of good family and his concern is for the community,” Corriveau said. “He’s genuine and he’s sincere.”