DPS Safety Scoop
DPS Safety Scoop is a podcast by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. It highlights the people, programs, and resources within NCDPS that work to keep North Carolinians safe. The show focuses on prevention, protection, and preparation topics. Episodes feature discussions with experts and personnel about public safety initiatives.
Episodes
S5 E7: Leadership Chat - Reflecting on the First Seven Months as NCDPS Secretary
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.
S5 E6: NC Cyber Capabilities
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]
S5 E5: (Replay) Close to the HEART - Autism Response Training
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 i
S5 E4: Providing Financial Assistance to Victims of Violent Crime
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
S5 E3: Staying Safe Around Chemicals, Poisons and Other Hazardous Materials
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 chemica
S5 E2: The 24-Hour Watch Team
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.
S5 E1: Promoting Mental Wellbeing in 2026
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 responde
S4 E12: (BONUS) Emerging Technology for First Responders
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
S4 E11: New and Emerging Technology in State Government
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-a
S4 E10: Public Safety in the Age of Misinformation
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 h
S4 E9: Safety is a Shared Opportunity
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 te
S4 E8: ABC Commission - 90 Years of Service
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 Dep
S4 E7: Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy
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.
S4 E6: Always Ready - Ready Team
The North Carolina National Guard is an all-volunteer force of around 10,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in both federal and state capacities. In this episode, Col. Mark Almond describes how North Carolina National Guard citizen soldiers and airmen support and defend the citizens of the state and nation against crisis, natural disasters and other threats. He also shares details about his experie
S4 E5: Resources to Help Victims of Crime Put Life Back Together - Part II
In part two of the Office of Victim Compensation Services series, listeners will learn more about how the Rape Victims Assistance Program support victims of crime throughout their recovery.NOTE: As of July 2025, the window to report a crime is now six months (NC Senate Bill 429).Contact VCS:800-826-6200 (calling from NC)919-733-7974 (calling outside of NC)Office of Victim Compensation Services4232
S4 E4: Safe Firearm Storage in NC
A 2022 report by the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Forceshowed that from 2019 to 2021, the rate of firearm deaths among children and youth in North Carolina more than doubled. This made firearms the leading cause of injury-related death for children and youth in the state. With guns falling into the wrong hands, our state was experiencing an urgent problem. Something had to be done. NC S.A.F.
S4 E3: Resources to Help Victims of Crime Put Life Back Together - Part I
The Victim Compensation Program is the subject of the latest Safety Scoop episode. Hear from Office of Victim Compensation Services Investigator Felisa Frances as she guides listeners through the eligibility and application process for the program.NOTE: As of July 2025, the window to report a crime is now six months (NC Senate Bill 429).
S4 E2: SHP Answers Top Questions from Motorists
Around 1,600 state troopers monitor more than 80,000 miles of roadway across North Carolina. These troopers perform hundreds of thousands of traffic stops every year and respond to countless additional requests for service. In this episode, two members of the NC State Highway Patrol answer multiple "What do I do if ..." questions about vehicles and NC roadways. From fender benders and fl
S4 E1: Intern with the Department of Public Safety
NCDPS has a robust internship program that offers professional experience for students in a variety of majors. Hear from the department's internship coordinator and a past intern to learn more about careers in the public sector and how to make the most of your time as a student intern.
Learn more at ncdps.gov/internship.
New Year, New Season
Happy 2025! The NC Department of Public Safety is excited to bring you another season of The Safety Scoop. Subscribe and follow along with new episodes every month.
S3 E11: Repairing Communication Networks After Helene
Greg Hauser, NC Emergency Management Communications Branch Manager, joins this episode of the Safety Scoop to tell his team's Helene response story. He shares enlightening details on the "magic" that goes on behind the scenes that keeps connectivity operational across the state for all individuals and the critical task of keeping tower lights blinking.
S3 E10: Community Emergency Response Team
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
S3 E9: Podcasting Program Empowers Youth to Share Their Stories
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 t
S3 E8: Cyber Checkup 2024
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 provid
S3 E7: NC HART Celebrates 20 Years
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
S3 E6: SHP Caisson Unit - Honoring the Fallen
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.
Additional Resources:
NC T
S3 E5: Providing Mental Health Support for Public Safety Professionals
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 p
S3 E4: JJDP Community Programs - Part II
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
S3 E3: JJDP Community Programs - Part I
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 juv
S3 E2: Stories from Women in Emergency Management
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
S3 E1: Evaluating North Carolina's Criminal Justice System
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
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
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
S2 E13: What's the Deal with the ShakeOut Drill?
Another mini-episode of Safety Scoop; this time focusing on earthquake preparedness. Most of the southeast can and have experienced earthquakes, and North Carolina have had several notable earthquakes that date back to the 1700's. Podcast guests Laura Youngman and Kevin Kalbaugh share earthquake facts and things to remember when the ground shakes. The Great ShakeOut Drill takes place on Octobe
S2 E12: Do You Know Your Zone?
Several Safety Scoop podcasts have been dedicated to sharing information about hurricane and severe weather preparedness, and this episode is no different. In this episode we discuss evacuations and the Know Your Zone initiative with guests Katie Webster and Diana Thomas.
Resources mentioned in episode:
Know Your Zone
ReadyNC.gov
Evacuation FAQs
Hurricane Guide
Prepare with Pedro Childre
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
S2 E 10: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
This mini-episode of Safety Scoop walks listeners through a checklist of items for the Atlantic Hurricane Season that was built out by emergency management professionals to ensure the people of NC are weather ready.
Other hurricane Safety Scoop episodes include:
Hurricane Preparedness 2021
Catching up with NCEM's Director Ray
Severe Weather Preparedness
Building Partnerships with the P
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, ther
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
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 Se
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 prev
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
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,
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 (whethe
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
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.
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 na
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 S
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.
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.
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.
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 se
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
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 la
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 sha
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.
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.
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.&nbs
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 le
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, NCSH
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?
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
Trailer - Pam Walker, Communications Director
Why a public safety podcast? Listen and find out.
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