At a Correctional Leaders Association Southern Region meeting in Charlotte, Governor Josh Stein addressed the issue of correctional officer staffing shortages in North Carolina. He urged the General Assembly to invest more in recruiting and retaining these officers.
“Correctional officers keep North Carolinians safe every day, but their work goes mostly unseen,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Starting pay for North Carolina’s correctional officers is the second lowest in the nation, and more than one-third of all positions are unfilled. Without enough correctional officers, staff and the public are put at risk. That’s why I continue to call on the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive public safety package that gives law enforcement, including correctional officers, a pay raise and makes North Carolina safer.”
Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction Leslie Dismukes also commented on current staffing levels. “Our staff is working hard to operate prisons in a safe and effective manner, but staffing levels are critically low,” Dismukes said. “We need the General Assembly to invest in meaningful pay increases that reflect the essential role correctional officers play in public safety.”
The Governor has been advocating for a comprehensive public safety package as state lawmakers have not yet passed a full state budget. Over one-third of correctional officer jobs remain vacant, with starting salaries ranking among the lowest nationally.
Governor Stein’s proposed 2025-2027 biennium budget includes $195 million aimed at addressing shortages among law enforcement and correctional officers through salary increases and bonuses for recruitment and retention. The proposal also covers measures intended to prevent violence in schools and communities and fight opioid abuse.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina dates back to 1776 as its oldest public office, responsible for enforcing laws, leading the Council of State and National Guard, overseeing the state budget, appointing officials, and issuing pardons (official website). The governor serves as chief executive over all state operations (official website), directing policy through budgeting decisions and appointments while serving as commander-in-chief of the National Guard.
Josh Stein is currently serving as North Carolina’s 76th governor (official website).