Press Releases

New Executive Director of Governor's Crime Commission Named

Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks has named Caroline C. Valand as the next executive director of the Governor’s Crime Commission. She begins her new duties May 1.

Governor Warns Flooding Still a Potential Threat to Communities in Eastern NC

Despite sunny skies, North Carolinians need to look out for flooding in low-lying areas, avoid flooded roads, and stay tuned to local weather updates, Governor Roy Cooper warned today.

Baptists Aim to Rebuild 1,000 homes for North Carolina Survivors of Hurricane Matthew

The North Carolina Baptists On Mission is one of many faith-based and nonprofit organizations participating in the cleanup and rebuilding after Hurricane Matthew devastated the 50 central and eastern counties.

Correctional Sergeant Dies After Assault by Inmate

A sergeant at Bertie Correctional Institution has died following an assault by an inmate at approximately 5:30 Wednesday evening. Sergeant Meggan Lee Callahan, 29, died at approximately 6:20 p.m. despite life saving measures conducted by Bertie CI medical staff and local first responders.

Cooper Urges North Carolinians to Be Careful of Flooding

Following unusually heavy rains across the state, Governor Roy Cooper is urging North Carolinians to watch for flooding in low-lying areas, avoid flooded roads, and stay tuned to local weather forecasts.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Open House Scheduled to Unveil Lenoir Youth Development Center

Through an open house on Thursday, April 27, Secretary Erik A. Hooks of the Department of Public Safety, along with W. David Guice, Chief Deputy Secretary of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, will introduce elected officials and community leaders to the renovated Lenoir Youth Development Center in Kinston.

Governor Cooper Meets with Wayne County Leaders on Hurricane Matthew Recovery Progress

Governor Roy Cooper met with Wayne County leaders today to discuss efforts to help families and communities recover from Hurricane Matthew and to learn more about ongoing needs.

Department of Public Safety appoints new Director of Prisons

Secretary Erik A. Hooks of the Department of Public Safety today named Kenneth Lassiter as the new Director of Prisons, effective May 1.

Department of Public Safety names new Director of Community Corrections

Secretary Erik A. Hooks of the Department of Public Safety today named Tracy Lee as the new Director of Community Corrections, effective May 1.

Inmate dies in apparent suicide

 Inmate Adam Tipton died this morning at a Winston Salem hospital, several days after an apparent suicide attempt. Tipton was found unresponsive in his cell at Piedmont Correctional Institution in Salisbury at about 10 p.m. on April 13.