DPS Dispatch

The career of a correctional officer is not an easy one. It is a position that has many challenges and requires a sharp focus on safety, professionalism, and integrity in order to keep themselves and those in state-custody safe. It is a role where if done well, they can inspire and help an offender to succeed once released. Right now, finding new correctional officers has been a challenge in North Carolina and across the nation, but one family that has been with the state for a combined total of 70 years has certainly risen to that challenge. Three generations of the Furr family have worked as correctional officers for the state of North Carolina within the Department of Public Safety (DPS). 

On a warm spring morning in early April, Laura Grater, an engineering team lead for the North Carolina Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation section, took her place in a barber’s chair at Raleigh Beer Garden for what some would consider a life changing event.

After a two-year delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Reentry Programs and Services successfully hosted the 2022 North Carolina Reentry Conference at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro on April 26-27. A pre-conference workshop on April 25 focused on effective correctional education strategies that prepare returning citizens for reentry and reduce recidivism.

In her role as warden at Caswell Correctional Center, Doris Daye sees acts of greatness every day. As a leader, she understands just how important it is to recognize and reward employees who go above and beyond their duties.

DPS and Prisons leadership and staff took time today to memorialize correctional employees who have died in the line of duty. The annual observance took place during Correctional Officers and Correctional Employees Week with a ceremony held at the Randall Building in downtown Raleigh.

From the mountains to the sea, law enforcement officers from across North Carolina gathered today at a memorial service for the 30 uniformed men and women who died in the line of duty over the past year.

Every day, criminal justice policymakers across the country make critical decisions that affect the lives and safety of the American public.

Second chances are important for both adults and juveniles who have been involved in the criminal justice system.

How many college interns can say their projects can leave a lasting impact on future youth as they re-enter society after spending time in the state juvenile justice system? Hannah Ridgeway and Julia Husk can say a definitive “Yes,” though neither gave that much of a thought during their recent internship with the Community Programs section of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

April is Second Chance Month in North Carolina, a time to focus attention on the challenges facing the more than 20,000 people returning to their communities each year after completing their sentences in prison. 

Did you know that around 25 percent of North Carolinians have a criminal record?  That usually creates consequences that most people are not aware of. People leaving prison are starting over. They frequently need a place to live, a job and support to re-start their lives. In fact, about 95 percent of people in prison will eventually return to their communities.

The work of hazard mitigation is designed so that today’s investment will pay off in the event of a future threat; it’s playing the long game.

Juvenile court counselors from New Hanover County (District 5) helped organize and participated in a joint staff and youth day with the New Hanover County “Elements” team at the Coastal Horizons Center rope course.

The N.C. Department of Public Safety’s mission is to safeguard and preserve the lives and property of the people of the state through prevention, protection and preparation.

When a disaster strikes, such as a hurricane, tornado, flood event or whatever causes a large amount of destruction, many communities turn to the state and federal governments for assistance.