North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently convened with local law enforcement leaders in Wilmington, reinforcing his commitment to a public safety approach that values prevention as much as response. The roundtable, which included sheriffs, police chiefs, and a social worker, focused on enhancing teamwork between different sectors to achieve a safer community for all North Carolinians, according to the Governor's Office.
"Public safety depends on teamwork -- from sheriffs, their deputies, and police officers to mental health professionals and community leaders -- and it requires us to be smart about preventing crime rather than only responding to it," Governor Stein highlighted, expressing the state's support for law enforcement through investment in tools, training, and fair compensation; this was all in an effort to improve North Carolina's approach to crime and safety. New Hanover County Sheriff Edward McMahon appreciated the collaborative effort, stating, "Law enforcement works best when we stand together with our state and local partners, and I appreciate Governor Stein bringing us to the table for this important conversation." McMahon's comments echo the cross-agency support aimed at advancing community trust and crime-reduction strategies, as per the Governor's Office.
The Governor's prior visit to the Smith Family Behavioral Health Urgent Care underscored the need to broaden mental health care access across the state, a critical factor in preventing crises that could compromise both individual and public safety. Governor Stein's public safety package pushes for urgent legislative action to address crucial aspects such as law enforcement staffing shortages, healthcare, and mental health resources, with a proposed budget of $195 million earmarked for these sectors.
Last month, the Governor challenged legislators to act on his public safety proposal, which would allocate substantial funds to tackle staff shortages through pay raises and recruitment incentives, while also advocating for the full funding of Medicaid, restoration of mental health finances which the General Assembly slashed—measures that stripped the state of behavioral health system supports, psychiatric inpatient beds, and crisis response capabilities according to what the Governor's Office articulated in an NC Strong Update.
