"The challenge of leadership is to create change and facilitate growth"

Sheriff Ralph Kersey has spent 42 years serving his country, the state of North Carolina and the citizens of Scotland County.  Prior to his career in Law Enforcement Sheriff Kersey served in the United States Marine Corps from 1979-1983 where he reached the rank of Sergeant. In 1987, he became a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, serving in Gastonia, NC., Raeford., NC., Rockingham, NC., and Laurinburg, NC. He retired in December of 2011 with 30 years of credited law enforcement. 

Sheriff Kersey was born and raised in Scotland County, the son of William and Betty Kersey.  Sheriff Kersey and his wife, Angie, have been happily married for more than twenty seven years, and have three beautiful daughters; Amanda, Courtney, and Taylor. 

On December 22nd, 2014 Sheriff Kersey was sworn in as the eleventh Sheriff of Scotland County. He is a 1979 graduate of Scotland High School and attended the University of North Florida (Institute of Police Management and Technology).  

Sheriff Kersey has received his Intermediate law Enforcement Certificate and Advance Law Enforcement Certificate. He has been certified as a Field Training Officer, Accident Reconstructionist, Federal Motor Carrier Inspector. He holds certificates in Crisis Management, Search and Seizure, Deviant Behavior, Criminal Investigation, Basic Anti-Terrorism Awareness, Juvenile Minority, Riot Control, Interview Interrogation, Drug School, Hazardous Materials.  

Sheriff Kersey is a graduate from the 2015 North Carolina Sheriff’s Leadership Institute held in Chapel Hill, NC.; and the 2016 National Sheriff’s Leadership Institute held in Denver Colorado. 

During Sheriff Kersey's tenure, numerous innovative programs have been implemented. 

In November of 2018 and 2022, Sheriff Kersey was re-elected as Sheriff of Scotland County. He holds a Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corp and has received many awards during his law enforcement career. In December of 2011 he was awarded by the Governor of North Carolina the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” for 30 years of law enforcement service.

Sheriff Kersey is a member of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, NC Law Enforcement Association, NAACP, American Post 50, National Sheriff’s Association and Multitudes Church.   

Sheriff Kersey is deeply committed to the philosophy of community policing and corrections, wherein law enforcement officers and citizens work together to identify and seek long-term solutions to problems relating to crime, fear of crime, neighborhood decay and quality of life. 

Sheriff Kersey welcomes and values your opinions and thoughts on how we are doing in serving you and our community.