DPS Safety Scoop

Across the nation there are teams of volunteers that are specially trained to assist during emergencies. Whether it's checking vitals of responders or survivors, answering phones, directing traffic or assisting with training, Community Emergency Response Team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help when needed. In this episode, we hear from the Division of Emergency Management’s CERT Program Manager Samantha Royster to learn about these teams active across North Carolina and the role they played during Hurricane Helene response.

For this episode of the Safety Scoop, we travel to Cabarrus Juvenile Detention Center to hear from three youth in secure custody who were part of new programming that was rolled out over the summer. These three individuals (identified in the episode as C, K and T) were enrolled with nine of their peers in an eight week digital media class. You'll also hear from facility staff who provide context to the new partnership between the Beattie’s Ford Road Vocational Trade Center and Cabarrus JDC and why they felt it was important to expand course offerings for the juveniles in their care.

It's time for a cyber heath checkup! In this episode of the Safety Scoop, two members of NCEM's Homeland Security Section share the types of threats that exist across the digital landscape in 2024, and how you can not only protect yourself from bad actors but recognize potential schemes and scams. Michael Greer and Christopher Chappell have decades of experience in cybersecurity and provide listeners with actionable steps on how to stay safe.

Started in 2004 by a small group of innovative North Carolinians, the Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, or NC HART, celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year. Now comprised of more than 30 technicians from across 12 different agencies, the NC HART team provides lifesaving missions across our state and beyond. In this episode of the Safety Scoop, you’ll hear from several longstanding members of the team, to include, Chris Bailey (NCEM Emergency Service Coordinator), Brevard Fire Chief Bobby Cooper and CW5 Michael Young (NC National Guard).

In this episode of the Safety Scoop, we get to hear from two members of the State Highway Patrol's Caisson Unit on site at their barn in the small town of Stedman. Learn more about the history of the unit since it was started in 2006 and how its members and horses have honored first responders and law enforcement professionals who have fallen in the line of duty.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and North Carolina public safety professionals and first responders have a resource at their fingertips to assist with mental health services. The Responder Assistance Initiative, or RAI, meets the needs of North Carolinians by providing a sustainable continuum of wellness resources that connects North Carolina first responders to an integrated safety net of peer teams and trusted professionals. In this episode I am joined by two mental health professionals: Jodi Salamino and Doctor Lindsay Allotey. Together, they outline the myriad of confidential and free services available for those who need it and have taken the first step in asking for help.

In this episode we get to speak with contract administrator Jonelle Giulianelli, who describes her role with the community programs section and expands on what it’s like managing partnerships across the state for justice involved youth. Joining Jonelle is Ken Perry, who works for an organization mentioned several times in part one: Methodist Home for Children. Together they share uplifting stories of strength, communities coming together and how setbacks have been transformed into successes. This is part two of a two-part series on JJDP community programs.

The Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to the reduction and prevention of juvenile delinquency by effectively intervening, educating and treating youth. This Safety Scoop episode we’ll hone in on the community programs section of the division, which provides a comprehensive strategy to help prevent and reduce juvenile crime and delinquency through non-residential and residential contracted programs. This is part one of a two-part series on JJDP community programs.

For Women's History Month, we're shining a spotlight on a few talented women in leadership roles in the Division of Emergency Management. Traditionally, the fields of public safety and emergency management have been filled by individuals who are predominately white, male and former military. But there has been progress towards greater diversity.  

In this episode, we are proud to introduce Robin Brown, Area 10 Coordinator; Jazel Mayes, Accounts Payable Manager; and Sarah Robison, Risk Management Program Coordinator. Hear their stories about what it's like working in emergency management and the advice they share for women seeking professional roles in public safety.

Get details about the HERricane experience.

For the first episode of season three we are shining the spotlight on an initiative that is relatively new to the department, but making great strides throughout the state. Brandy McKoy, the Director of the Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice, shares the history of the group since it was established in 2020, and the different ways it is pursuing the goal to ensure a fair and equitable criminal justice system for all in North Carolina. Throughout this episode she dives into how the task force has evolved over the years, what was accomplished in 2023 and what lies on the horizon.