About DPS

Goals

  • Make DPS a career destination.
  • Ensure effective and efficient operations.
  • Protect and engage with the public.
  • Make North Carolina more resilient to disasters.

Office of the Secretary

Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr. is the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and serves as the sole representative on the governor's cabinet for the state's law enforcement, juvenile justice initiatives and emergency management responsibilities. The DPS secretary oversees the state's homeland security coordination.

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About the Department

2020

Accomplishments

Highlights of DPS's role in COVID-19 response, election security, public protection, disaster response and more.

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#2

Largest Patrolled State Highway System

State Troopers patrol 78,000 miles of state-maintained roads (the second largest system in the country) to keep roadways safe.

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19%

Reduction in Juvenile Complaints

North Carolina decreased juvenile complaints 19 percent between 2010 and 2020.

7%

Decrease in Overall Crime

North Carolina’s overall crime rate decreased by 7 percent in 2013 from the previous year, continuing a six-year downward trend.