State Capitol Police Services

Patrol Division  
The Patrol Division has the responsibility to proactively patrol the North Carolina State Government Complex and other state-owned properties in Wake County to prevent crime, solve problems, investigate crimes and vehicle accidents, make arrests pursuant to criminal behavior, provide safety escorts, conduct safety programs and training for employees, and build partnerships within the complex and local community. State Capitol Police officers use various methods to actively patrol the governmental complex such as marked and unmarked patrol vehicles, Polaris ATV vehicles, police bicycles and Segways. Officers are available to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All officers are certified as law enforcement officers by the state of North Carolina and have full arrest powers under the law.   

K-9 Units

State Capitol Police has two explosive-detection canine teams. One of these K-9 teams has an explosive detector dog (EDD) trained to detect explosive materials that are location-specific. The second K-9 team utilizes a vapor wake canine specifically trained to detect explosive particles in the air. State Capitol Police K-9 teams are certified through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) to national standards. Each team must certify annually. 

Special Operations 

State Capitol Police’s Mobile Field Force is comprised of specially equipped and trained law enforcement officers who have the specific mission of performing crowd management operations during demonstration events and rallies conducted on state property by members of the public exercising their right to peaceably assemble. 

Large-Scale Events

As the law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring the safety and security of employees and visitors in the State Government Complex, State Capitol Police performs special law enforcement operations and partners with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to provide security for civil disobedience events, permitted and non-permitted events, gubernatorial inaugurations and other special events.       

Personnel Hearings
 
Each day, state government functions are performed by more than 20,000 state employees in various service and regulatory agencies within the governmental complex. In support of Human Resources administrative functions, State Capitol Police provides law enforcement and security services during the various personnel and board hearings and proceedings.  

State-owned Property Security
As part of its mission to secure state government operations, the State Capitol Police assigns specially trained law enforcement officers to specific state-owned properties and facilities throughout the State Government Complex. These officers are vigilant in their efforts to ensure that state government operations are not interrupted due to willful acts of terrorism or other criminal activity.  

Non-Sworn Security Officers
  
State Capitol Police employs non-sworn security officers to supplement the uniformed Patrol Division and act as additional “eyes and ears.” Security officers are stationed throughout the State Government Complex 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They monitor video surveillance cameras, alarms, special exhibits, public assistance and other sensitive security areas.      

Investigative Section

The Investigations Section is staffed with two dedicated investigators. Both investigators are responsible for furthering the investigation of all felony crimes including (but not limited to) murder, rape, robbery, theft and fraud cases. In addition, investigators conduct all criminal investigations at Adult Correction facilities in Wake County. Investigators serve as SCP’s property and evidence custodians.

Emergency Communications Center

The police department is staffed with a 24-hour Emergency Communications Center. Emergency Communications Officers answer both emergency and non-emergency administrative phone lines. Emergency Communications Officers are a vital link to public safety and are the first public contact when assistance is needed. In addition to receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, they monitor and dispatch emergency responders to fire and emergency alarms throughout North Carolina at properties owned by the state. The Emergency Communications Center has access to the city of Raleigh’s Emergency Communications Center. This access allows for dispatch of fire and EMS personnel to provide the quickest possible assistance to those in need.

Professional Standards

The North Carolina State Capitol Police is committed to providing the best services possible to state employees and visitors in the State Government Complex, and to the people of North Carolina. The trust and confidence the community has in SCP is important and something that is taken seriously. It is the policy of NC State Capitol Police to investigate all complaints from the public, and its employees. The Director of Professional Standards is responsible for coordinating SCP’s internal investigation function. Responsibilities will include review of all citizen and internal complaints alleged against staff members; assignment of internal investigations in accordance with SCP policy; conducting investigations that could lead to criminal prosecution, and other internal investigations as directed by the Chief of Police.

Professional Development

The Office of Professional Development serves to facilitate and promote the academic endeavors of its staff, creating a better trained and prepared officer to serve the public. Some of these duties include the maintenance of all academic databases, reports and educational sessions. OPD also manages new hire orientation, field training along with employee onboarding to include background investigations, medical and psychological clearance. It promotes and assists staff members in achieving academic excellence. OPD supports inter- and intra-departmental education sessions statewide through other departments and the fluid processing of these and their logistical support needs to ensure a successful outcome.  

Accreditation Manager

The Accreditation Manager is responsible for coordinating SCP’s accreditation through CALEA. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA®), was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs' Association and the Police Executive Research Forum.