The long-awaited state budget that Gov. Josh Stein signed into law earlier this month includes $40 million to provide a one-time $1,750 bonus for sworn local law enforcement officers.
The $34 billion budget includes double-digit salary increases for officers in several different branches of state agencies -16.2 percent for SBI and ALE officers, a 15 percent for N.C. State Highway Patrol officers, and 13 percent for correctional officers, according to a press statement. Probation and parole officers will get a 6.5 percent pay raise.
WIZS News has reached out to Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow and to Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame for comment about the one-time bonus for local law enforcement officers; we’ll update this story with their comments when they are available.
The governor joined law enforcement officials and specialized units including the Selective Enforcement Unit and K-9 teams at Raleigh Police Department’s Special Operations Division recently to highlight the state budget’s investments in public safety, including the largest pay raises to law enforcement in recent state history.
“Law enforcement careers are demanding and sometimes dangerous, but they are so important and rewarding,” Stein said. “We must do everything in our power to support those who keep North Carolinians safe. With this state budget, we are sending a clear message that we value our law enforcement officers and are investing in the next generation of North Carolinians who choose a career to keep people safe.”
Stein highlighted needed investments to support residents’ mental and behavioral health, including Raleigh Police Department’s Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referral, Networking, and Service (ACORNS) unit. Through ACORNS, teams pair police officers with mental health or social work professionals to respond to situations involving mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. This co-responder model provides better service to people in need and frees up law enforcement to fight crime.
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