Governor Josh Stein met with law enforcement officials from New Hanover and Brunswick Counties in Wilmington to discuss ways the state can better support their work in keeping communities safe. The meeting is part of Governor Stein’s ongoing effort to promote a comprehensive public safety package that emphasizes both crime response and prevention.
“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,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina’s law enforcement officers deserve our full support. I am committed to investing in the tools, training, and pay they need to keep North Carolinians safe.”
New Hanover County Sheriff Edward McMahon also participated in the roundtable. “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,” he said. “Our shared commitment to public safety, community trust, and effective crime-reduction strategies will continue to make North Carolina a safer place for everyone.”
Other participants included Brunswick County Sheriff Brian Chism, UNC-Wilmington Police Chief Frank Brinkley, Wilmington Police Chief Ryan M. Zuidema, Southport Police Chief Todd Coring, Oak Island Police Chief Charles Morris, and Wilmington Social Worker Melissa Moore.
Earlier in the week, Governor Stein visited Smith Family Behavioral Health Urgent Care in Charlotte. He highlighted the importance of expanding mental health care access across North Carolina so people experiencing crises can receive necessary help.
Last month, during an NC Strong Update event, Governor Stein called on legislators to act on his $195 million public safety proposal. The plan would address staffing shortages among law enforcement by providing pay increases as well as recruitment and retention bonuses. He also urged lawmakers to fully fund Medicaid and restore mental health funding that had previously been reduced by the General Assembly.
