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DPS Safety Scoop

DPS Safety Scoop

By NC Department of Public Safety

A North Carolina Department of Public Safety podcast that highlights how the people, programs and resources within NCDPS help keep North Carolinians safe through prevention, protection and preparation.
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S2 E3: Leadership Chat - Catching Up With NCEM's Director Ray

DPS Safety ScoopNov 21, 2022

00:00
25:07
S3 E2: Stories from Women in Emergency Management
Mar 27, 202432:24
S3 E1: Evaluating North Carolina's Criminal Justice System
Feb 28, 202434:18
S2 E15: What Does the Future Hold for VOCA?

S2 E15: What Does the Future Hold for VOCA?

Two staff members of the Governor's Crime Commission (GCC) join us in our final Safety Scoop episode of 2023 to discuss how changes to the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funding may impact organizations that help victims of crime recover and rebuild their lives. As they answer questions, guests Caroline Farmer and Sandy Dixon look to the future and share how GCC plans to move forward with federal funds provided.

Dec 13, 202318:20
S2 E14: Securing the State's Infrastructure

S2 E14: Securing the State's Infrastructure

November is Critical Infrastructure Security and Resiliency Month, but what does that really mean for you and me? In this Safety Scoop episode, Critical Infrastructure Specialist Rachel McGrath gives us a peek behind the curtain of how her section within the Division of Emergency Management responds to all hazards, as well as the work and collaboration that goes into protecting the nation's 16 critical infrastructure sectors.

Nov 29, 202324:48
S2 E13: What's the Deal with the ShakeOut Drill?
Oct 12, 202314:35
S2 E12: Do You Know Your Zone?
Sep 28, 202321:09
S2 E11: Providing Oversight to NC's Private Security Industry

S2 E11: Providing Oversight to NC's Private Security Industry

The Private Protective Services Board is celebrating 50 years of providing licensing, education and training for private protective services throughout the state. In this episode of Safety Scoop, Paul Sherwin, Director of PPSB, shares his thoughts on how the board has evolved and what he envisions the coming years will be like. Listen to our conversation as he shares details that may be unknown to people outside the private security industry on how the board provides oversight and regulatory functions within this space.

Aug 31, 202323:30
S2 E 10: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Jul 28, 202311:56
S2 E9: How to Search, Apply and Interview for DPS Jobs

S2 E9: How to Search, Apply and Interview for DPS Jobs

Calling all job seekers, graduates, those interested in joining the public sector and everyone in between. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety is hiring and offers a stable environment for job seekers. With dozens of career paths spanning from working with justice-involved youth, emergency management, law enforcement, telecommunications, administration, project management and more, there is an opportunity for anyone to pursue what they are passionate about. In this episode, Employment Specialist Faith Riggsbee provides us with her insider tips on how candidates can stand out from the application period through the interview process.


If you're applying for a job with NCDPS, don't miss out on Faith's "cheat sheet" for applicants.

Jun 30, 202333:57
S2 E8: Behind the Scenes of the SHP Basic Patrol School

S2 E8: Behind the Scenes of the SHP Basic Patrol School

Before anyone in the state of North Carolina can claim the title of trooper, they must first undergo the rigorous basic patrol school. Weeks of physical and mental challenges, learning new skills, overcoming obstacles and the heightened sense of teamwork all leads to the end goal -- taking the oath, pinning on the badge and driving away in the recognizable black and silver cruiser. In this episode of Safety Scoop, we go behind the scenes to learn the process of selecting, training and supporting aspiring members of the NC State Highway Patrol. Guests include basic patrol school staff, recruitment and two cadets in the 158th basic school class. Listen now to hear what cadets experience from the first phase of the application up to the point they walk across the stage at graduation.

May 19, 202344:50
S2 E7: Close to the HEART - Autism Response Training

S2 E7: Close to the HEART - Autism Response Training

The Helping Enhance Autism Response Training or “HEART” program was established in 2020 and has since reached communities across the state. Learn more about how this program got started, why it is important for law enforcement/first responders and how it is shaping the department's outreach initiatives moving forward. This episode's guests include Casandra Skinner-Hoekstra, Chief Deputy Secretary of Administration, and autism advocate, speak and author Dennis Debbaudt. Both guests have children on the spectrum and share their individual experiences as caregivers and members of the HEART team.

Apr 27, 202330:34
S2 E6: Collaborating to Enhance Public Safety Training

S2 E6: Collaborating to Enhance Public Safety Training

To create a true culture of prevention, protection and preparedness, DPS prioritizes school safety as a core initiative. On top of other ongoing initiatives throughout the department, Samarcand Training Academy, which is located in Jackson Springs, recently welcomed the Center for Safer Schools into a newly renovated academic building that will serve as a temporary facility for on-site crisis prevention training. Hear from Samarcand Director Matthew Rebuck as he outlines this partnership and the facility expansion that will broaden the scope of training offered in North Carolina.

Content warning: This episode’s topic includes conversations about active assailant situations, including individuals with firearms on school campuses, as well as details about tactical training that prepares members of law enforcement for these situations.

Mar 27, 202331:49
S2 E5: Locating Missing People in North Carolina

S2 E5: Locating Missing People in North Carolina

The North Carolina Center for Missing Persons was created in 1985. Since then, the center has worked with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to locate missing individuals and reunite them with their loved ones. In this episode we sit down with the Center's director, Nona Everett, to discuss her decades long career in this role. Nona shares resources and expert tips on what to do if a loved one isn't where they should be.

Content Warning: This episode’s topic includes conversations where abduction, violence, human trafficking and death is mentioned or alluded to. 

Feb 02, 202323:37
S2 E4: Building Partnerships with the Private Sector

S2 E4: Building Partnerships with the Private Sector

This episode's guest, Persia Payne-Hurley, is the Private Sector Manager & Business Emergency Operation Center Coordinator. Since starting with NC Emergency Management in 2014, Persia has been tasked with not only building the state's first Business Emergency Operation Center, but also coordinating with the thousands of private sector partners. Her work with the BEOC is nationally recognized, and Persia's passion for her job can't be hidden. In this interview you'll get Persia's take on what went on behind the scenes of setting up the BEOC, what it takes to organize commodities in the middle of a disaster and how private sector companies can assist with NCEM's mission across the state.

Jan 03, 202337:31
S2 E3: Leadership Chat - Catching Up With NCEM's Director Ray

S2 E3: Leadership Chat - Catching Up With NCEM's Director Ray

William Ray was appointed Director of North Carolina Emergency Management in August of 2021. With a little more than a year under his belt as director, we checked in with him to get his take on the last year of responding to and preparing for the various hazards North Carolina faces. In this podcast you'll get the inside scoop on how emergency management staff manage their day-to-day tasks (whether during "blue skies" or at the height of an emergency), goals for 2023 and what inspires Director Ray every day as he carries out his duties at the State Emergency Operations Center.

Nov 21, 202225:07
S2 E2: Working Security at the NC State Fair feat. Chief Chip Hawley

S2 E2: Working Security at the NC State Fair feat. Chief Chip Hawley

The North Carolina State Fair takes place every October and brings in around one million people. Many state agencies contribute to putting on the show that is the state fair, but one detail that may be overlooked by many fair goers is the effort that goes into ensuring the fair is a safe event. State Capitol Police Chief Chip Hawley has been working fair security in different roles since 1985. In this podcast, you'll hear him recount his duties over the years and how the NC State Fair security team achieves the mission of protecting everyone on the fairgrounds.

Oct 18, 202233:56
S2 E1: Fake IDs Impact Communities

S2 E1: Fake IDs Impact Communities

In this episode we discuss how the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division is combating the use of fake IDs across North Carolina. Listen as Special Agent Brian White details the devastating consequences of fake ID use and underage drinking, as well as how outlets that sell alcoholic beverages can assist in stopping this trend in their communities.

Oct 04, 202229:43
E16: Hurricane Preparedness 2021

E16: Hurricane Preparedness 2021

Hurricane season is here and now is the time to make sure you are prepared in case North Carolina experiences impacts from one of these powerful storms. Many NC residents and visitors have seen the power and destruction of hurricanes firsthand and have experienced the hazards associated with them. NC Emergency Management meteorologists Kevin Kalbaugh and Laura Silver join us to talk through the natural hazards associated with hurricanes and how to be weather ready before, during and after a storm. NCEM Human Services Branch Manager Sandi Bridgers joins Safety Scoop for the first time to dive into what families can do to make sure they are prepared before a storm and how to build an emergency preparedness plan that fits your family's needs.

Jul 29, 202133:22
E15: Severe Weather Preparedness

E15: Severe Weather Preparedness

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is an annual safety informational campaign that takes place around the change of the seasons in March. The purpose is to educate North Carolinians on the impacts and safety concerns aligned with severe weather that typically happens in the springtime: Thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes and flooding. NC Emergency Management meteorologists Kevin Kalbaugh and Laura Silver share their knowledge of severe weather and the safest way to react if severe weather is happening around you, no matter where you are. 

Mar 05, 202122:02
E14: A Chat with DPS Recruiters

E14: A Chat with DPS Recruiters

DPS is hiring! Learn about the diverse professions and abundant career opportunities found within the Department of Public Safety. DPS recruiters Kevin Whitaker, Stephanie Bridgers, Joy Brown and Melissa Thames discuss benefits, tips for filling out applications, internships, opportunities for veterans and more. 

Feb 12, 202136:12
E13: Winter Weather Preparedness

E13: Winter Weather Preparedness

NC Emergency Management meteorologists Kevin Kalbaugh and Diana Thomas and NC State Highway Patrol Sergeant Marcus Bethea discuss how North Carolinians can prepare for winter weather in their homes and vehicles. Knowing what to do before severe weather hits is an important part of being weather ready, especially in the winter time.

Dec 03, 202028:44
E12: Plans for NC Prisons: Dealing with COVID and What Comes Next

E12: Plans for NC Prisons: Dealing with COVID and What Comes Next

Hear what North Carolina’s prisons have been doing in 2020 to protect staff and offenders during the pandemic. And find out how the state plans to enhance safety, upgrade technology and improve offender rehabilitation in the coming months and years.

Nov 17, 202033:17
E11: Serving Sentences Outside a Prison

E11: Serving Sentences Outside a Prison

North Carolina's Department of Public Safety is charged with keeping the public safe, while also protecting its employees and those in the department’s custody. This spring, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted prison officials to begin looking at ways within the Secretary’s authority to reduce the prison population. One of those ways involves transitioning select individuals to serve their remaining sentence under supervision through the Extended Limits of Confinement initiative.  Find out who is eligible, how many have been selected and what else NCDPS is doing to keep our communities safe.

Sep 21, 202024:31
E10: Prison Actions in COVID-19

E10: Prison Actions in COVID-19

This special edition of the DPS Safety Scoop was recorded on April 8, 2020. In this episode, Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee and Deputy Commissioner Brande Harris discuss how the Division of Prisons prepared DPS prison facilities to fight against the spread of COVID-19 and the mitigation actions taken by staff across the state. Working alongside the Governor's Coronavirus Task Force, more than three dozen different measures have been taken to protect correctional staff and offenders from COVID-19. 

Apr 14, 202032:21
E9: DPS Women in Leadership - ALE

E9: DPS Women in Leadership - ALE

March is Women's History Month, and DPS is celebrating the women who uphold the department's mission across North Carolina. In this episode, we speak with Alcohol Law Enforcement Assistant Director for Administration Angela Hayes, who is the first female to serve as part of ALE’s leadership team. Hayes shares how she became interested in a role in ALE and more about her experience as a woman in law enforcement.

Mar 31, 202015:02
E8: DPS Women in Leadership - SHP

E8: DPS Women in Leadership - SHP

March is Women's History Month, and DPS is celebrating the women who uphold the department's mission across North Carolina. In this episode, we are speaking with the first female to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the NC State Highway Patrol. Twenty-two years after starting her career as a trooper and forty years after the first female trooper joined the patrol, Lt. Col. Donna Carter shares her insight on what it's like to be a woman in law enforcement and how the NCSHP has evolved over her tenure.

Mar 10, 202023:17
E7: Protecting Our Elections

E7: Protecting Our Elections

Your vote matters! Hear what North Carolina officials are doing to protect the integrity of our elections and, and what you need to do to make your vote count. 

North Carolina State Board of Election's Patrick-Gannon, NC National Guard CIO Lt.Col. Robert Felicio and NC Emergency Management Chief of Staff discuss how local, state and federal officials are collaborating to secure our elections. 

Feb 26, 202028:57
E6: Reflections on African American Heritage

E6: Reflections on African American Heritage

Listen to three NCDPS leaders talk about who inspired them and the heritage that shaped them as they reflect on their heritage as African Americans.  Hear Chief Deputy Secretary Cassandra Hoekstra, Colonel Glenn McNeill and Maxine Evans-Armwood share personal stories about the role models who guided them and what they hope their legacy will be.

Feb 21, 202026:50
E5: What's New in NC Prisons?

E5: What's New in NC Prisons?

In June 2019, Todd Ishee was appointed Commissioner of Prisons by NCDPS Secretary Erik A. Hooks. With 30 years of correctional experience, Commissioner Ishee made it a priority to acquaint himself with all operating facilities across the state, as well as the staff. This episode not only introduces the commissioner, but also dives into the state of NC prisons and ongoing prison reform efforts. 

Feb 06, 202020:12
E4: Rebuilding Smarter Through Hazard Mitigation

E4: Rebuilding Smarter Through Hazard Mitigation

North Carolina is subject to numerous hazards, whether they are natural or man made. Hazard mitigation is meant to lessen the severity of the impacts experienced by individuals during events such as hurricanes, fires, floods, cyber attacks, chemical spills or others. Steve McGugan, NCEM Assistant Director, and Jason Pleasant, Hazard Mitigation Development Manager, review how past disasters have led to current hazard mitigation efforts by the state and how North Carolina is continue to improve these mitigation efforts through grant funding. If you're curious about the disaster recovery process, especially when it comes to hurricane recovery, you'll want to give this episode a listen.

Jan 23, 202022:00
E3: Combatting Human Trafficking

E3: Combatting Human Trafficking

It's the second largest criminal enterprise in the world, and North Carolina ranks in the top 10 states for reports of this illegal activity. Listen to see what the Tar Heel state is doing to prevent human trafficking and what we all can do to help the thousands of women, children and men who are sold each year. In this episode, we are joined by NCDPS Chief Deputy Secretary Pam Cashwell, NCSHP Trooper D. A. Cuff and SBI Special Agent in Charge Carl Wall.

Jan 10, 202022:02
E2: Wrapping up 2019 - Erik A. Hooks, DPS Secretary

E2: Wrapping up 2019 - Erik A. Hooks, DPS Secretary

Between ongoing prison reform efforts, implementing "Raise the Age" legislation, responding to and recovering from hurricanes and adding two new divisions, 2019 has been an extremely busy year for NCDPS. What's being done to improve safety in our prisons and how is the state helping hurricane victims recover?

Dec 30, 201915:28
E1: Implementing the New Raise the Age Law

E1: Implementing the New Raise the Age Law

On December 1, 2019, North Carolina became the last state to "Raise the Age" ensuring that most non-violent criminal charges of children and teens will be heard in the juvenile system, not in the adult criminal system.  How will this legislation make a difference for children and what are the impacts and costs to others? In this episode, we sit down with DPS Deputy Secretary William Lassiter to discuss how Raise the Age will be rolled out across the state, as well as the anticipated benefits and costs.

Dec 04, 201932:45
Trailer - Pam Walker, Communications Director

Trailer - Pam Walker, Communications Director

Why a public safety podcast? Listen and find out.

Nov 27, 201907:08