Press Releases

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Escapee Captured and Heading Back to Prison

Law enforcement captured a Wake Correctional minimum custody offender who did not return from his work release job in Garner on Sept. 20, 2019.

ALE Becomes a Division Within Department of Public Safety

Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) is now a division within the Department of Public Safety. Due to legislation signed by Gov. Roy Cooper on Aug. 27, ALE was re-established as a division within DPS effective Oct. 1. Secretary Erik A. Hooks announced Bryan House will be the interim director of ALE.

$3.7 Million Approved for New Hanover County Debris Removal

The State of North Carolina and FEMA have approved more than $3.7 million to reimburse New Hanover County for debris removal costs following Hurricane Florence.

Information on Inmate Death at Columbus Correctional Institution on Sept. 28

On Sept. 28 at approximately 9:45 p.m. at Columbus Correctional Institution, offender Scott Whitmeyer (#1402845) was assaulted with a homemade weapon at the facility. Correctional staff responded and worked to resuscitate the offender.

Highway Patrol Names New Deputy Commander and Lt. Colonel

The State Highway Patrol is proud to announce majors Jeff Gordon and Donna Carter will begin new roles within the organization on October 7.  Due to the retirements of former Deputy Commander Vic Ward and Lt.

$1.8 Million Approved to Acquire Flood-prone Properties, Minimize Disaster Damage

The State of North Carolina and FEMA are announcing more than $1.8 million to eliminate flood risks at certain repetitively damaged properties in Duplin County following Hurricane Florence. 

$6 Million Approved for Mold Remediation Costs at Pender County Schools

The State of North Carolina and FEMA are announcing more than $6.5 million to the Pender County Board of Education for Hurricane Florence-related cleaning costs. 

Department Announces Temporary Suspension of Operations at Three Prisons to Alleviate High Staff Vacancy Rates; Enhance Safety and Security

As part of ongoing reform efforts, the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice will temporarily suspend operations at three minimum custody facilities and move correctional officers and other staff to neighboring prisons to address staffing challenges.

Highway Patrol Announces Trooper Promotions Moving Forward

The State Highway Patrol has announced it will be moving forward with its promotion process following the conclusion of an internal investigation as well as an investigation by North Carolina State University (NCSU). 

Media Advisory: ABEL Leash Ceremony at Warren Correctional

WHAT: ABEL Leash Ceremony WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.

Governor Cooper Visits Ocracoke Island to Survey Hurricane Recovery Efforts

On Monday, Governor Roy Cooper and members of his cabinet visited Ocracoke Island to survey recovery efforts following Hurricane Dorian’s landfall on September 6, 2019.

State to Host Eastern NC Disaster Information Sessions

A partnership of state agencies will host four disaster information sessions to provide updates on resources and obtain community feedback in hurricane-impacted areas of eastern North Carolina.

Governor Cooper requests additional disaster declaration for Individual Assistance after Dorian

Governor Roy Cooper today sent an additional request to President Trump for federal assistance to North Carolina residents who are hurting from Hurricane Dorian.

Wake Correctional Center offender reported missing from work assignment

State correctional and local law enforcement officers are seeking Wake Correctional Center minimum custody offender Latroy Strickland (# 0565506), who was reported missing from the facility last night in Garner while on work release.

State continues support for Ocracoke’s recovery from Hurricane Dorian

Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Dorian’s storm surge inundated Ocracoke Island, the state of North Carolina continues to provide critical support services to the island.