North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein held a news conference to discuss his legislative priorities for the upcoming General Assembly session. Stein expressed the need for additional staff to combat fentanyl trafficking, solve sexual assault crimes, and help police recruit and retain officers. He highlighted the rise in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the state and the importance of addressing this issue through the establishment of a “fentanyl control unit” and a “cold case unit” within the Department of Justice.
Stein’s proposed package, estimated to cost $23 million, includes pay bonuses for graduates of the Basic Law Enforcement Training program, bonuses and relocation stipends for out-of-state or former military police interested in working in North Carolina, and measures to allow retired officers to return to work without affecting their retirement pay. He also supports bills that would help veteran officers stay on the job without losing special financial benefits. The goal is to address vacancy challenges in police departments and jails and attract more workers to the law enforcement profession.
Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead highlighted the need for additional staff at the county’s detention center, which currently has over 80 vacancies among its nearly 400 employees. Birkhead emphasized the importance of having adequate staff to operate the facility safely and securely. He mentioned that some patrol deputies are filling in at the jail temporarily to help bridge the staffing gaps.
Despite political differences, both Republicans and Democrats in North Carolina have previously worked together on bipartisan anti-crime legislation. However, there has been ongoing debate over the balance between public safety and criminal justice reform. Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is running against Josh Stein for governor, has expressed opposition to what he considers “soft-on-crime” policies that could lead to dangerous criminals being released back into society.
Stein’s proposals aim to address the growing public safety challenges facing North Carolina, with a focus on combating fentanyl trafficking, solving cold cases, and supporting law enforcement recruitment and retention efforts. By investing in additional staff and providing incentives for new recruits, Stein believes they can make a meaningful impact in reducing crime rates and improving community safety. The success of these initiatives will depend on bipartisan cooperation and funding support from the General Assembly.
