DPS Safety Scoop

Epizode

• 
  S5 E7: Leadership Chat - Reflecting on the First Seven Months as NCDPS Secretary 31.07.2026 43min

  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.
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  S5 E6: NC Cyber Capabilities 25.06.2026 33min

  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]
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  S5 E5: (Replay) Close to the HEART - Autism Response Training 29.05.2026 40min

  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.
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  S5 E4: Providing Financial Assistance to Victims of Violent Crime 23.04.2026 12min

  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.
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  S5 E3: Staying Safe Around Chemicals, Poisons and Other Hazardous Materials 30.03.2026 29min

  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.
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  S5 E2: The 24-Hour Watch Team 27.02.2026 18min

  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.
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  S5 E1: Promoting Mental Wellbeing in 2026 28.01.2026 40min

  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.
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  S4 E12: (BONUS) Emerging Technology for First Responders 16.01.2026 10min

  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/ 
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  S4 E11: New and Emerging Technology in State Government 31.12.2025 26min

  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
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  S4 E10: Public Safety in the Age of Misinformation 26.11.2025 27min

  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.
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  S4 E9: Safety is a Shared Opportunity 29.09.2025 20min

  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 dps.HealthandSafety@ncdps.gov.Watch Eva's Public Safety Story Time here.
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  S4 E8: ABC Commission - 90 Years of Service 29.08.2025 32min

  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.
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  S4 E7: Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy 29.07.2025 18min

  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.
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  S4 E6: Always Ready - Ready Team 27.06.2025 28min

  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 experience over the last 29 years with the NC National Guard. Learn more about the NC National Guard at ng.nc.gov, or follow them on social at @NCNationalGuard.
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  S4 E5: Resources to Help Victims of Crime Put Life Back Together - Part II 29.05.2025 9min

  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 Mail Service CenterRaleigh, North Carolina 27699-4232
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  S4 E4: Safe Firearm Storage in NC 29.04.2025 24min

  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.E. , which stands for Secure All Firearms Effectively, was one solution. Now, two years after the initiative began, two members behind the effort share progress and future plans to achieve the overall goal of a safer state.NC S.A.F.E. is not associated with any advocacy-based initiatives related to gun laws or regulations. The initiative is run by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and funded in part through the 2023 Byrne-State Crisis Intervention Program. Learn more at ncsafe.org.
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  S4 E3: Resources to Help Victims of Crime Put Life Back Together - Part I 31.03.2025 17min

  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).
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  S4 E2: SHP Answers Top Questions from Motorists 27.02.2025 24min

  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 flat tires to seeing those blue lights flash behind you, First Sergeant Chris Knox and Sergeant Marcus Bethea detail steps you can take to respond properly and most importantly, stay safe.
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  S4 E1: Intern with the Department of Public Safety 30.01.2025 23min

  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.
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  New Year, New Season 16.01.2025 3min

  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.