Blog: DPS Dispatch

On March 25, 2020, North Carolina received a federal major disaster declaration providing public assistance funding to reimburse local governments and certain private nonprofits for some of their response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

First responders may be the first ones to arrive at the scene of emergencies, but they are not the first person someone talks to when they call for help. Telecommunicators are the ones who answer those calls for assistance and relay information to first responders. 

Per its usual practices, the Juvenile Justice Section of the N.C. Department of Public Safety is keeping safety – of its staff, of juveniles in its care, and of our state’s communities at large – in mind as it tackles the potential issues that could impact the state’s juvenile justice system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As more and more North Carolinians are working, learning or just consuming more digital content from their homes due to COVID-19, there has never been a better time to talk about internet safety. Cybercriminals use emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic to steal personal information or business data. Scams can be carried out through email, text, social media posts and even legitimate-looking websites. The following data theft prevention tips were shared by the NC Department of Information Technology. When Working From Home

The Department of Public Safety kicked off National Autism Awareness Month and celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 by hosting an online briefing for law enforcement and first responders. The event also launched the department’s autism awareness initiative – HEART (Helping Enhance Autism Response Training). 

On Tuesday, March 10, Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order declaring a State of Emergency as part of North Carolina’s preparedness plan for the new coronavirus or COVID-19.  North Carolina is no stranger to State of Emergency declarations, with several being issued in anticipation of or response to hurricanes over the last few years. 

Surf City is getting a new town hall with the help of more than $500,000 from North Carolina and the FEMA Public Assistance Program.  

Attending a Department of Public Safety career fair is a wonderful chance for you to learn about employment opportunities within the department. Positions vary from engineers to State Highway Patrol troopers to IT professionals to special agents and many more. DPS has representatives from its divisions to share the various career options available. Before attending, read over our tips to help make the most of your time spent at a DPS career fair.  Dress to impress

Governor Declares March 1-7 Severe Weather Preparedness Week Showers are beginning to help flowers and trees to develop buds, birds are singing early morning songs, and the sound of thunder is rumbling across the sky. Spring is a thing of beauty in North Carolina, but it is also the most active season for tornados and severe thunderstorms.  As you are getting the garden ready for all that will begin to bloom in the next few months, also be thinking severe weather preparedness.   

Do you know how to respond when an emergency happens while in your vehicle?  Driving requires you to be safe and attentive at all times. Many things you encounter on the road are out of your control. Do you know how to respond safely when certain situations happen to your car while driving? Troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol suggest drivers follow the quick tips below to enure they know how to safely navigate emergencies while behind the wheel. Break downs

North Carolina is in the midst of the largest hurricane recovery in the state’s history: In the past four years, North Carolina has received federal disaster declarations for four hurricanes covering 77 of the state’s 100 counties.

There are more than 38,000 people employed by the Department of Public Safety, and they all support the department with their variety of different backgrounds and skillsets. There are engineers, correctional officers, counselors, troopers, IT professionals, maintenance staff and many, many more personnel who dedicate their careers to public service in North Carolina. What is it about DPS that brings so many people together from across the state to prevent, protect and prepare North Carolinians for man-made or natural disasters?  Making a difference

We stretch, hydrate and know our limits to stay safe and prevent injuries while exercising. These aren’t the only ways to remain safe and healthy, though. DPS officials offer the following safety tips when going outside to exercise.  Let someone know where you are going Tell at least one person when and where you will be going. If something happens, they will know where to send help. Bring your cell phone with you. This allows you to call for help in case of an emergency. You can also utilize mobile tracking apps that share your exact location with family and friends.  Bring identification

Findings published last month following a year-long independent study evaluating the food environments of North Carolina’s juvenile justice facilities indicate that staff are invested in the children in their care, meet child nutrition program requirements for all daily meals and feel that their role in promoting child health and wellness is important. 

Storms leave behind big messes and communities need help with clean up. That’s certainly the case on Ocracoke, where several feet of storm surge inundated the island when Hurricane Dorian passed by last September. As residents cleaned out flooded homes, large piles of curbside debris quickly developed all over the island – made up of ruined furniture, soaked drywall and damaged floorboards.