Author: Clyde Roper
Loyal. Compassionate. Visionary. Those are just a few of the words friends and colleagues used to describe Scott Hunter, the longest-serving chief in the history of State Capitol Police.
Last August, the State Capitol Police celebrated its 50th anniversary of service to the people of North Carolina. Now, while celebrating Black History Month, we highlight the career and many years of faithful service of the agency’s longest-serving chief. Chief Scott Hunter served in that role for almost nine years and led the force through some of its most trying times. He was still serving as chief in September 2012 when he died following a long illness. He was 49.
The State Capitol Police force was created in 1967 following a budget request from Gov. Dan K. Moore after numerous acts of vandalism and theft occurred at state-owned parking lots in downtown Raleigh. Today, State Capitol Police officers continue to patrol and provide security at government offices and to investigate crimes in the State Government Complex and other areas within its jurisdiction. In addition, the agency monitors emergency alarms at state-owned facilities 24/7 across North Carolina, directing emergency responders as needed.
Scott Hunter became State Capitol Police chief in 2003 after serving 18 years with the State Highway Patrol. He steered State Capitol Police through the transition of its move from the Department of Administration to what is now the Department of Public Safety in 2009. When the agency was hit with severe budget cuts in 2011, Hunter made sure that SCP’s primary mission — providing a safe and secure environment for state employees and visitors in the State Government Complex— was still accomplished.
DPS Interim Chief Deputy Secretary Reuben Young knew Chief Hunter well. In 2012, Judge Young was serving as the Secretary of Public Safety. In a message to department employees sharing the sad news of Hunter’s death, he called Hunter a well-respected leader and professional who was dedicated to public safety.
“Chief Hunter was a loyal employee, devoted friend and family man. He was my friend and a friend to many others in the department who admired him for his compassion, sense of humor and quick-wit,” Young wrote. “He leaves behind a wife and three children, who in addition to all of us in the department, will miss him immensely.”