On Thursday, Governor Josh Stein addressed the Governor’s Crime Commission to outline his administration’s priorities for the coming year. He emphasized collaboration with the 44-member advisory body to enhance public safety in North Carolina.
“Protecting the people of North Carolina is job one. I’m grateful to be on the same team as these members of the Governor’s Crime Commission as we work together to build a safer and stronger North Carolina,” said Gov. Stein. “By serving on the Commission, these members have dedicated themselves to enhancing public safety, reducing and preventing crime, and improving the criminal justice system.”
The outlined priorities include exploring programs for recruiting, training, and retaining law enforcement officers, youth counselors, and correctional officers; supporting evidence-based violence prevention initiatives such as community violence intervention programs; and removing barriers for successful re-entry into society after incarceration.
Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr. expressed his support: “I am looking forward to working with Gov. Stein and the commission to advance these priorities. This focus will help us shape ongoing initiatives to prevent violence, improve re-entry outcomes and recruit top talent to serve in our law enforcement agencies and in our juvenile justice and correctional facilities.”
The meeting took place at the Community Justice Center in downtown Wilmington, a victim services provider developed by former District Attorney Ben David that offers comprehensive services for victims of crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Governor’s Crime Commission acts as an advisory body on crime and justice issues for both the governor and the secretary of the Department of Public Safety. It sets program priorities while reviewing grant awards recommendations.
Commission members include leaders from statewide criminal justice agencies, human service agencies, courts, law enforcement, local government representatives from the General Assembly, nonprofit agencies, private citizens, and youth representatives.
