In a move to bolster the safety and integrity of North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein recently addressed critical issues including law enforcement recognition, correctional officer staffing challenges, and ethical guidelines for state employees. The initiatives aim to enhance public safety and trust within the state government.
Honoring Law Enforcement Excellence
Governor Stein dedicated May as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, acknowledging the vital role of law enforcement officials in community safety. “We must value the people who devote their careers to keeping us safe,” said Governor Josh Stein. This initiative underscores the commitment to support the thousands of officers who protect families across North Carolina.
During the event, Sergeant David Rowland and K-9 Bo from the Gastonia Police Department were honored for their lifesaving actions. Governor Stein awarded Sergeant Rowland the Order of the Longleaf Pine and K-9 Bo a Certificate of Pup-preciation, recognizing their contributions to public safety.
Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conard praised the duo, stating, “Sgt. David Rowland and K-9 Bo represent the very best of the Gastonia Police Department. Their dedication, professionalism, and compassion have not only led to lifesaving results, but they have also created a tremendous positive connection between law enforcement and our community.”
Governor Stein’s recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 allocates over $970 million to support law enforcement and address crime root causes. This includes a 15% pay raise for state law enforcement and hiring bonuses for new recruits.
Addressing Correctional Officer Challenges
Faced with staffing shortages, North Carolina ranks 49th in starting salaries for correctional officers. To combat this, a pilot program was launched in three state prisons to streamline hiring processes and reduce vacancies.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of competitive salaries, saying, “Right now, we’re asking people to put themselves in a very demanding job – and asking their families to sacrifice on our behalf – so they can earn less money than they can working at a Costco.”
Adult Correction Secretary Leslie Dismukes highlighted the need for significant raises to recruit and retain staff, noting, “Many of our employees are working second jobs or hours of overtime, just to make ends meet.”
With near-complete staffing at pilot locations, the program aims to expedite hiring and onboarding, ensuring talent retention. Governor Stein’s budget proposal includes a 15% pay raise for correctional officers over the biennium.
Ethical Standards for State Employees
In response to increased activity in prediction markets, Governor Stein issued an executive order to prevent state employees from leveraging nonpublic information for personal gain in these markets. “When people use nonpublic information gained at work to get an unfair advantage, it erodes public trust,” stated Governor Stein.
The executive order mandates that state employees refrain from using confidential information to engage in prediction markets, influencing their work duties through such activities, and utilizing state resources for these purposes. Violations could lead to disciplinary action.
Strengthening Military Communities
Coinciding with Military Appreciation Month, Governor Stein signed an executive order to enhance support for the state’s military communities. “We can always do more to support our military and veterans, and we are determined to do all we can,” said Governor Stein.
The order directs cabinet agencies to appoint Military Affairs Coordinators and reinforces cross-agency efforts to support servicemembers. With North Carolina hosting over 90,000 active-duty personnel and a significant veteran population, the state’s military presence is substantial.
Governor Stein’s administration continues to prioritize military family support, having enacted legislation to ease professional transitions and educational opportunities for military families. The budget plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 includes initiatives to assist servicemembers transitioning to veteran status.
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