North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently addressed members of the NC Sheriffs' Association, demonstrating his support for law enforcement and outlining new budgetary measures aimed at enhancing public safety. During the association's annual spring conference, Stein commended the courage of law enforcement officers and their "special calling" to protect the community, as reported by the NC Office of Governor.
"Serving in law enforcement is a special calling – one of service and bravery. We ask them to run towards danger when the rest of us might flee," said Governor Stein in a statement obtained by the Governor's Office's press release. Cognizant of the difficulties that come with the job, the governor has proposed a 2025-2027 budget with key provisions to support these public servants. Chief among these are salary increases for all state law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and youth counselors. Additionally, the budget proposes signing bonuses for Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates.
The budget plan also includes the establishment of a dedicated Cold Case Unit, focusing on investigating long-unsolved crimes, particularly those involving sexual assault. Recognizing the ongoing opioid crisis, Stein's budget puts forth the creation of a Fentanyl Control Unit, which will target the distribution channels of narcotics, especially fentanyl, in an effort to curb its flow within North Carolina.
This move by Governor Stein resonates with the broader commitment to public safety and the acknowledgment of the diverse challenges law enforcement faces on a day-to-day basis. It also speaks to a larger narrative of governmental response to pressing social issues such as drug trafficking and sexual assault cold cases. The governor's advocacy for the resource allocation is seen as a vital step to not only back law enforcement, but also to strengthen the overall safety and security of North Carolina's residents.
