Governor Josh Stein recently addressed the NC Sheriffs’ Association at their Spring Conference to emphasize the importance of bolstering law enforcement in North Carolina. He urged the state’s General Assembly to approve a comprehensive budget aimed at enhancing public safety across the state.
“Keeping people safe is job #1. That’s why we need more well-trained officers on the beat and more behavioral health options for people who need urgent care,” said Governor Josh Stein. He advocated for funding that includes substantial pay raises for state law enforcement, incentives for new Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates and out-of-state recruits, and additional resources to improve recruitment and retention.
In his recent announcement, Governor Stein introduced a recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. This budget features an allocation exceeding $970 million to enhance law enforcement capabilities, tackle crime at its roots, and improve public health. The proposal includes a 5% pay raise for all state law enforcement officers, correctional staff, nurses, and health technicians, building on a previously recommended 10% increase in the Governor’s Critical Needs Budget, along with bonuses for new BLET graduates and recruits from other states.
Addressing the State Bureau of Investigation’s (SBI) workforce challenges and a 21% rise in case numbers, the proposed budget includes full funding for the Bureau. It also suggests establishing a cold case unit to enhance staffing and increase the rate of criminal convictions. Furthermore, the budget plans to create a Fentanyl Control Unit to tackle drug trafficking, secure funding for the VIPER network for better communication during emergencies, establish a real-time threat alert system, and equip state law enforcement officers with body cameras to build public trust.
Governor Stein continues to prioritize the fight against the opioid crisis, attributed to his leadership in securing over $55 billion from opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. North Carolina’s approach to utilizing these funds has been recognized nationally for its transparency and accountability. The state witnessed a notable 34% decrease in overdose and poisoning deaths – a first since 2019. The Governor’s budget proposal includes expanding medication-based treatment for opioid use disorder within correctional facilities and forming a Fentanyl Control Unit to curb the inflow of these hazardous drugs into the state.
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