Reporting from across the state is recognizing Attorney General Josh Stein’s commitment to keeping North Carolinians safe, highlighting his public safety proposals and calls for more investment toward recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers. 

Attorney General Stein has pushed for a public safety package that includes measures to combat drugs, support law enforcement officers, protect kids, test sexual assault kits, and fight fraud. 

Associated Press: “North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein pushed Monday for a package of crime prevention proposals he said would better equip law enforcement to tackle gun violence, the opioid crisis and the state’s backlog of sexual assault cases. Stein said gun violence prevention efforts are urgently needed. ‘We don’t want to have to have there be a school tragedy for this state to take action,’ Stein said. ‘We can take action today that will reduce the likelihood of a school shooting ever occurring.’”

Spectrum News: “‘Protecting the people of this state has to be job one,’ Stein said. ‘I’m fighting to keep people safe from violent crime, drugs, and fraud, and I’ll always do everything in my power to hold criminals accountable.’”

He’s met with local law enforcement leaders to find solutions to address the law enforcement shortage and announced a $23 million proposal to invest in recruitment and retention strategies.

WXII: “On Monday, Stein visited Winston-Salem to discuss solutions with Triad and state leaders. ‘Our current staffing issues present an untenable situation,’ said Stein, ‘It puts our public at risk.’ ‘The day-to-day safety of our community depends on having law enforcement officials out there, and we have to make the job more attractive,’ said Winston-Salem police Chief William Penn. Stein echoes Penn’s sentiments. ‘The safety of our communities demands it,’ said Stein. ‘More well-trained officers mean less violent crime.’”

ABC11: “Stein said agencies should encourage military veterans and out-of-state officers to apply. ‘Law enforcement officers keep our families and communities safe, and we are less safe when there are widespread vacancies,’ Stein said. ‘I am proud to join lawmakers and officers to take action to recruit and retain public-spirited people in law enforcement.’”

WUNC: “North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein visited Chapel Hill and held a roundtable with Orange County law enforcement last week. As he’s heard from similar events across the state, the state’s top prosecutor heard about the challenges and changes when it comes to hiring for public safety positions.”

Stein continues his work to secure resources for localities to address the opioid epidemic and has led state efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis.

WWAY: “The NC Attorney General’s Office is working hard to get fentanyl off the streets. Last week, Attorney General Josh Stein held a ribbon cutting for the State Crime Lab’s renovated Drug Chemistry and Toxicology sections. According to Stein, fentanyl is the second most tested substance at the lab. Stein says he’s asked for funding for a Fentanyl Control Unit in his special prosecution sections to help local law enforcement agencies break up drug trafficking rings.”

The Reflector: “I was excited to learn about Attorney General Josh Stein’s work to hold accountable the companies that created and fueled the opioid epidemic. Attorney General Stein led national negotiations with these drug companies that led to $50 billion in settlement funds. North Carolina stands to gain $1.4 billion for prevention, treatment and recovery services. The money from these settlements is already coming to North Carolina, and ekiM For Change was approved by the Board of Commissioners to receive $100,000 of Pitt County’s share.” 

This morning, Attorney General Stein spoke at the Annual Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty.