Press Releases

A new law goes into effect today that helps increase public safety at prisons in North Carolina. As of Dec. 1, it is illegal to fly unmanned aircraft systems, also called drones, 250 feet above and within 500 feet of correctional facilities.

Governor Roy Cooper today announced that Disaster Recovery Centers will open this week to help Caldwell and Wilkes county residents who were affected by storms that struck in late October.

Colonel Glenn M. McNeill Jr., Commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and Erik A. Hooks, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, presented several members and a retiree with awards in a ceremony today.

As this year’s Thanksgiving Holiday season came to an end, troopers were out in full force to monitor traffic violations in hopes of reducing motor vehicle collisions.

Governor Roy Cooper today announced that financial assistance is available through the U.S. Small Business Administration for residents affected by storms that struck Watauga and surrounding counties last month.

Inmate Terry Poole (#0694086) died Tuesday evening at Lanesboro Correctional Institution after an apparent suicide. He was found unresponsive in his cell at about 6:20 p.m. Prison medical staff and local paramedics responded and worked to resuscitate the inmate, but were unsuccessful.

Hurricane Matthew survivors whose homes were damaged by the storm can apply for additional financial help starting later this month.

With one of the busiest travel times of the year on North Carolina roadways approaching, the State Highway Patrol wants all motorists to focus on safety.

Emergency managers from across North Carolina have been working in Puerto Rico since October 1 to support ongoing relief and recovery efforts underway on the U.S. island territory hit by Hurricane Maria on Sept. 20. Another team departs Friday for Puerto Rico while one returns home Sunday.

Governor Roy Cooper today signed a state disaster declaration for the city of Eden and a separate letter to the U.S.

Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks today announced the addition of three new members to his leadership team.

The Department of Public Safety today honored some of the department’s most committed and exceptional employees during its annual Badge of Excellence Awards Ceremony.

After widespread devastation from Hurricane Matthew, North Carolina is using experts to study the Cashie, Lumber, Neuse and Tar rivers to help prevent future flooding, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

Approximately 74 federal, state, and local officers combined forces this week in Wayne County to seek subjects wanted on outstanding warrants and to conduct searches of high-risk individuals under the supervision of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

A combined effort from Department of Public Safety personnel aided in the capture today of Wake Correctional Center inmate Larry J. Locklear (#0245809) at 7:30 a.m. along Interstate 95.