As part of its overall effort to assign new missions to prison facilities across the state, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety is working to reduce the use of segregation -- also known as solitary confinement or restrictive housing— and to improve mental health and reentry services for inmates. DPS has accepted a report by the Vera Institute of Justice that analyzes the state’s use of segregation and provides recommendations for further reducing its use.
Press Releases
Nearly 200 local, state and federal law enforcement officers joined forces this week in Cumberland County for Operation Spring Sweep, an enforcement operation that served outstanding criminal warrants, searched for probation absconders and conducted compliance checks on high risk and violent offenders on probation or parole.
Governor Roy Cooper today named Sheriff Graham H. Atkinson of Surry County to serve on the North Carolina Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission.
“With more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement Sheriff Atkinson will be an asset to the Parole Commission, and I’m confident he’ll continue to serve the cause of justice well in this new role,” said Governor Cooper.
Governor Roy Cooper today visited the Make a Difference Food Pantry, a nonprofit founded by 12-year-old Mackenzie Hinson which is helping Hurricane Matthew survivors.
“Mackenzie’s can-do spirit is exactly what we need in North Carolina right now as we pull together to recover from Hurricane Matthew,” Gov. Cooper said. “I’m impressed by her persistence and her generosity toward people in need in her community.”
The gunman who died Saturday evening inside the Enfield post office has been identified as Willie E. Bishop, 62, of 213 N. Dennis St., Enfield.
Police were notified of an attempted armed robbery that was occurring at the Enfield Post Office, 112, N. Dennis Street, just before 7 p.m. As police arrived, Bishop reportedly fired at officers from inside the post office.
Captain Drahar Bozard, Jr. of the Enfield Police Department, fired one shot, and the suspect was found dead inside the post office.
After Hurricane Matthew roared through coastal North Carolina in October 2016, damage in the state will total as much as $4 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Proactive steps taken by Pamlico County following 2011’s Hurricane Irene spared this North Carolina County from significant impacts.
Today, Governor Cooper issued a statement in support of a proposal to raise the age:
Tornado drill is scheduled at Lacy Elementary School. Nick Petro, warning coordinator meteorologist with the National Weather Service Raleigh office, will discuss safety during tornado watches and warnings.
Governor Roy Cooper today named District Attorney Robert A. Evans of the Seventh Judicial District as the new chairman of the Governor’s Crime Commission.
“District Attorney Evans will bring deep knowledge of the justice system and law enforcement along with even-handed judgment to guide the 44 members of the Crime Commission,” Cooper said. “I’m grateful that D.A. Evans is willing to take on this challenging and crucial role on behalf of our state.”
Governor Roy Cooper has declared March 5-11 Severe Weather Preparedness Week and urges North Carolinians to prepare and practice safety plans in case severe weather strikes, which could happen as soon as tonight according to weather forecasts.