Public Safety
Community protection and emergency services
Latest stories
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NC Central says emergency alert wasn’t warranted after 2 students shot near campus
North Carolina Central University students and parents are questioning the university’s off-campus safety response after two students were shot near campus and school officials said an emergency alert was not warranted.
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A lot quieter: Moore Square entrance blockage proves effective
Loitering and crime have gone down near the Moore Square Bus Station a week after crews shut down the Wilmington Street entrance, according to the city of Raleigh. Businesses near the entrance on Wilmington Street said they have noticed a change over the past week.
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As new report shows NC crime rates down, Whatley keeps public safety a focus of US Senate race
U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley rallied with supporters in Fayetteville Thursday, warning about threats to public safety and promoting endorsements he has won from police groups.
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'I want some intervention': Law enforcement, community discuss youth violence at WRAL town hall
WRAL News brought together law enforcement and community leaders on Wednesday for an open discussion about youth violence, what’s driving it and what we can do as a community to break the cycle.
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Safety and affordability: Why NC’s U.S. Senate candidates keep hitting the same themes
Roy Cooper blames Republicans for rising inflation and income inequality. Michael Whatley blames Democrats for crime. Experts say their messages are each carefully crafted to give them the best chance at winning a seat in the U.S. Senate.
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NC public safety boss is out as Stein, GOP lawmakers spar
The North Carolina Department of Public Safety oversees a number of state law enforcement and emergency response agencies, such as state Homeland Security, Alcohol Law Enforcement and the National Guard.
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Chatham County swears in new sheriff
Sheriff Steve Maynor was sworn in by the Chatham County Sheriff's Office on Thursday. His appointment comes following former Sheriff Mike Roberson's retirement.
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Mass surveillance authorized on NC highways, all other state roads
North Carolina’s new budget allows the State Bureau of Investigation to track drivers on any state-maintained road using AI cameras. It’s a win for law enforcement, but privacy advocates worry about civil liberties.
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Homeless crackdown advancing in NC Senate draws heated debate
State lawmakers say a new bill on homelessness will help stop public nuisances and prevent drug dealers from targeting the homeless. Opponents say it’ll make those problems worse.
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Is Raleigh any safer following a teacher's brutal killing?
The man accused of killing a Raleigh teacher in her home is due in court Thursday. Ryan Camacho is charged with breaking into Zoe Welsh’s home and murdering her. We wanted to know what has changed to make the community safer.
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Driverless cars in Raleigh? How a garage could jump-start the conversation
The technology behind a parking deck slated to be built near downtown Raleigh could someday open the door for driverless vehicles and taxis in the Triangle, as autonomous vehicles prepare to hit city streets in Charlotte.
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Raleigh mayor addresses housing affordability, public safety in State of the City address
During Wednesday's meeting, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said the city has made progress in affordable housing, but some residents say more work needs to be done.
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With repeat-offenders under scrutiny, NC lawmakers question probation-parole system
The killings of Iryna Zarutska and Zoe Welsh have raised questions about North Carolina’s criminal justice system. The men charged in their deaths have lengthy criminal histories and mental illnesses.
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Worker found dead more than 24 hours after feed mill explosion
Four employees were on-site during an explosion and fire at the Perdue feed mill in Hertford County early Saturday morning.
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WRAL Investigates program that raises concerns over "Policing for Profit"
WRAL's investigative report examines a federal program that some argue encourages "Policing for Profit." The program raises questions about accountability and fairness, urging readers to explore the impact on communities and justice.
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'Our system needs to work better': Stein issues mental health, public safety executive order
State leaders, including Gov. Josh Stein, have placed an increased focus on public safety reforms following high-profile killings that police say were committed by people with histories of mental illness.
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NC lawmakers say court order limits their probe into fatal Charlotte stabbing
A North Carolina House committee postponed a hearing after a federal judge barred the release of records tied to the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on a commuter train. Charlotte and Mecklenburg County leaders are expected to testify about transit safety, and diversity equity and inclusion.
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Raleigh police to implement GPS tech to curb high-speed pursuits in Triangle
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce is advocating for the use of StarChase technology to reduce high-speed chases in the Triangle area, as recent pursuits have resulted in shots fired and property damage.
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Glenwood South shooting renews push for public safety in downtown Raleigh
A recent shooting in Glenwood South has reignited concerns over public safety in downtown Raleigh. Residents and officials are calling for heightened security measures and community action.
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Stein notes NC’s prison reentry efforts as repeat offenders come under scrutiny
Making it easier for former prisoners to find work and mental health care should improve public safety by making people more likely to rejoin society, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said Wednesday.
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Smythe to take over for Buffaloe as NC director of public safety
Longtime law enforcement leader Jeffrey Smythe will become the state’s director of public safety on Jan. 1, after Eddie Buffaloe retires from the position to take a role with the city of Raleigh.
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Durham police developing Real Time Crime Center, hosting community meetings
Durham police are working to develop a new tool to help fight crime. The city is developing a Real Time Crime Center to give police access to data quicker and help identify suspects faster.
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Durham Police to launch Real Time Crime Center, aiming for quicker crime-solving solutions
Durham Police are developing a new Real Time Crime Center, with a focus on solving crimes faster. Police are working to contract with a third-party company, Peregrine, to bring all of their existing data together.
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Stein continues push for mental health aid focused on public safety
Gov. Josh Stein traveled to eastern North Carolina to praise local community leaders doing work on mental health, as he pushes state lawmakers to put more money into mental health focused on public safety.
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Vice President JD Vance speaks in Concord, discusses public safety after Charlotte stabbing
Vice President JD Vance is visiting the Charlotte area, with the city at the center of a renewed debate about public safety.
