Advertise on podcast: DPS Safety Scoop

The North Carolina Office of Violence Prevention was established in 2023. The office supports a public health approach to the reduction of violence and firearm misuse in NC and works in partnership with the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services and the 25-member Community Violence Advisory Board. In this episode, OVP Director Siarra Scott reviews the office's strategic and implementation plans and provides updates on where the work stands in 2026. Additional Resources: OVP WebpageOVP Implementation PlanOVP Core Competencies

The National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program has successfully built relationships across the globe for more than 30 years. North Carolina entered the program in 1996, when it was partnered with Moldova. Over the years, more partnerships were formed, and North Carolina became one of the few states with more than two partners through the program. This episode's guest, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Sterling, joins the Safety Scoop to discuss this history of the program in North Carolina and how the Guard's involvement has built mutually beneficial relationships with Moldova, The Republic of Botswana, Malawi and Zambia. It hasn't always been easy, but LTC Sterling is optimistic and believes this program is shaping a future of improved ideas, collaboration and security for generations to come.

Gov. Josh Stein appointed Jeffrey Smythe, as secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety effective January 1, 2026. In this episode, Secretary Smythe shares what the first seven months on the job have been like. Discussion topics range from leadership goals, crime prevention, building trust and overcoming challenges.

The Cybersecurity Response Force was established in Raleigh, NC, as a response to ongoing threats and actions taken in the cyber or information domain. In this episode, featured guest LTC Seth Barun shares how this security force supports state, local, tribal and territorial agencies. Additional Resources: - Cyber Security Response Force Homepage - 2024 Operation Tobacco Road [video]

Join host Kirsten Barber for a revamped episode from the Safety Scoop archive. This month we are revisiting the Helping Enhance Autism Response Training episode after NCDPS hosted one of it's largest HEART events at the end of April 2026. Before the replay, you'll hear from NCDPS Secretary Jeffrey Smythe, speaker Dennis Debbaut and event attendees on why this type of training is not only important, but a vital part of first response training for those serving their communities.

Crime Victim's Rights Week is observed every year in April. It's a time to honor survivors while raising awareness of the needs of victims. One resource for victims of crime in our state is the Office of Victim Compensation Services. During this episode, outreach specialist Jackie Lamptey provides an overview of the role of VCS and available resources that help victims of violent crime and their families. Learn more about the Office of Victim Compensation Services by visiting ncdps.gov/4victims or by calling 800-826-6200.

Anything can be poisonous when used in the wrong way, in the wrong amount or by the wrong person. The challenge is that everyday items like lotions, bug spray, over-the-counter medicines and more can pose a threat, not just householdcleaners. In this episode, NCEM Hazardous Materials Coordinator Stefan Coutoulakis shares information on how to keep your home safe, how to properly dispose of chemicals and how teams across the state are keeping communities safe from hazardous materials.

Known as "the eyes and ears for emergency response teams," the 24-Hour Watch is an information and communication sharing hub for incident information and intelligence data from federal, state and local partners. In this episode, Amanda Winans shares what it's like working for the 24-Hour Watch day to day and what it takes to be a watch analyst.

To kick off the new year on the Safety Scoop, host Kirsten Barber has a discussion with Responder Assistance Initiative psychologist Nicolas Sirianni around mental health in the first responder field. While you listen, you’ll learn simple exercises for meditation and regulation as well as encouraging words on how to not only check in on others, but yourself (whether or not you are a first responder). Mindfulness Practices: - Body Scan Meditation (11:36) - 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique (25:56) - Distraction Grounding (28:35) - Box Breathing (31:11) - Belly Breathing (31:54) - Bilateral Stimulation (33:17) If you are a first responder or NC Department of Public Safety employee that needs to connect with the Responder Assistance Initiative, call their resource/request line at 866-731-6901 and leave a detailed message. Someone will return your call. This is not a crisis line.

Continuing the panel discussion in episode 11, "New and Emerging Technology in State Government," panelist Chris Chappell provides a detailed overview of how tech was used to aid first responders during Tropical Storm Helene response. Helpful Links from the Episode: Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) - ⁠https://fiman.nc.gov⁠ Resilience Analysis Framework for Transportation North Carolina (RAFT) - ⁠https://rmp.nc.gov⁠NC OneMap - ⁠https://www.nconemap.gov/⁠NC DACS hosts the Multi Hazard Threat Database - ⁠https://www.ncmhtd.com/⁠School Risk Management Plan (SRMP) - ⁠https://sera.nc.gov/srmp/⁠State Emergency Response Application (SERA) - ⁠https://www.ncdps.gov/sera⁠/

This Safety Scoop episode brings together a panel of experts across state government to explore the possibilities, challenges and risks of incorporating newer technologies into current systems. Helpful Links from the Episode: Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for mobile devices, and the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) - https://www.ncdps.gov/emergency-alertsFlood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) - https://fiman.nc.gov Resilience Analysis Framework for Transportation North Carolina (RAFT) - https://rmp.nc.govNCEM Risk Management Portal - https://rmp.nc.gov/NC OneMap - https://www.nconemap.gov/NC DACS hosts the Multi Hazard Threat Database - https://www.ncmhtd.com/NCDIT AI Accelerator - https://it.nc.gov/resources/artificial-intelligence/ai-acceleratorSchool Risk Management Plan (SRMP) - https://sera.nc.gov/srmp/State Emergency Response Application (SERA) - https://www.ncdps.gov/sera/ State of NC Cybersecurity Strategic Plan - https://it.nc.gov/programs/cybersecurity-risk-management/state-north-carolina-cybersecurity-strategic-plan DIT Next Generation 911 Network - https://it.nc.gov/about/boards-commissions/nc-911-board/next-generation-911DIT FirstTech Program - https://it.nc.gov/programs/firsttech

We are living in a time where false information can be disseminated easily and effectively. So how can we protect ourselves and others from falling prey to disinformation campaigns, especially during times of emergency? This episode's guest Brian Haines, Senior External Affairs Specialist for NC Emergency Management, speaks with host Kirsten Barber about disinformation and misinformation and how bad actors use emergencies to spread untruths that can cause harm and division. While there is no way to avoid disinformation in the digital age, you can learn how to recognize it and stop the spread. Listen to learn more about how to keep yourself and others safe and informed.

Eva Setal is the Safety Director for the NC Department of Public Safety -- a big endeavor and a unique position in state government. In this episode, Eva shares how anyone can take a proactive approach to safety every day and walks through how you can find your "safety moment." Safety doesn't have to be complicated, but it should always be in the back of your mind. Email Eva or her team at [email protected]. Watch Eva's Public Safety Story Time here.

It's 2025, and the NC Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is celebrating 90 years of spirited service. As the regulatory body over the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, consumption and possession of all alcoholic beverages across the state, the commission is committed to enhancing public safety and protecting public health across the state. This episode features ABC Commission Deputy Commissioner Mike DeSilva. Listen as he takes you behind the scenes of the commission and shares what has changed and what has stayed the same since it’s founding in 1935.

The Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy, which opened its doors in 1994, provides structure, discipline and a path for at-risk 16- to 18-year-olds. In this safety scoop episode, we hear from father/daughter duo Rob Davis and Morgan Raines, who both have shared experiences with the North Carolina National Guard and the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy.