North Carolina State Highway Patrol

Last week NCSHP IPC (Interdiction for the Protection of Children) trainers partnered with Texas DPS to certify ten new IPC trainers. This will allow the Patrol to conduct more training throughout the state, further enhancing efforts to combat human trafficking.

With 1,600+ troopers patrolling 80,000 miles of roadway, the NC State Highway Patrol handles countless traffic stops and incidents each year. In this episode of DPS Safety Scoop, First Sergeant Chris Knox and Sergeant Marcus Bethea answer common "What do I do if..." questions, covering everything from fender benders to flashing blue lights—helping you stay informed and safe on the road. Listen to our latest podcast at: https://bit.ly/4ktwNer.

This month the State Highway Patrol commemorated its official release of the Ford Mustang police cruiser for statewide patrol coverage. History and traditions are an important part of our Patrol Family, and the use of Mustangs have their beginnings on the SHP in the 80’s and early 90’s. The re-introduction of the Mustang began last year as the first deliveries were received in the spring. This onboarding process included our logistics staff outfitting the vehicles with proper equipment for daily use as well as our driving trainers examining the performance features and capabilities of the vehicles. Last summer, the State Highway Patrol proudly showcased one of our first available Mustangs in the American Association of State Troopers “Best Looking Cruiser Contest” and placed 5th in the Nation thanks to the tremendous community support and voter participation from North Carolinians! In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Patrol diverted resources away from the Mustang rollout toward the collective goal of providing relief, assistance and public safety in Western North Carolina, and this continues to be a top priority today. Governor Josh Stein joined Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr. at the vehicles’ sendoff to recreate an iconic image from 1929. The original image captured then Governor Oliver Max Gardner and the Patrol’s Commander, Captain C. D. Farmer, with the original members and their issued motorcycles at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. “These patrol vehicles, while small in number, will serve a valuable purpose throughout our state. Their presence while on patrol will undoubtedly help to serve as a deterrent and assist in our important role as ambassadors for the great state of North Carolina.” -Colonel Freddy L. Johnson, Jr.

Congratulations to Trooper G. L. Elkins who was recently named the Troop G, District 4 (Buncombe County) Trooper of the Year for 2024!

Several featured SHP roles in this week's #TalentTuesday ??

NCSHP wishes to recognize Conner Clark for completing his internship program with us this semester. Conner was assigned to our Technical Services Unit and has done tremendous work. Thank you Conner, and congratulations on a job well done!

Leave the scares to haunted houses ??, spooky music ?? and frightening movies! ?? Don’t turn those into real-life dangers by drinking and driving. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Hurricane Helene Response: Swift Water Rescue Team While there is so much work to do in the days and months ahead, members of the State Highway Patrol have been working throughout #HeleneNC and will continue to support the people of NC. Members a part of the Patrol’s Swift Water Rescue Team were deployed to WNC prior to the storms arrival and have been active throughout. The team included one of the Patrol’s medical doctors, Dr. Luciano, who was able to provide medical specific assistance. So far, the team has conducted over 300 rescues and welfare checks of structures and vehicles looking for those in need.

NCSHP members in Scotland County partnered with local and state agencies from North Carolina and South Carolina this week for the Hands Across the Border joint checkpoint at our adjoining border. District members would like to thank our South Carolina partners for this invitation as well as their hospitality during the event!

NCSHP members from Troop I are heavily involved in IPC (Interdiction for the Protection of Children) training. These members recently attended the 36th Annual Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas, Texas. Internationally recognized, the Crimes Against Children Conference is the premier conference of its kind, providing practical and interactive instruction to those fighting crimes against children and helping children heal. There were more than 5,500 professionals from around the world in attendance. The conference is presented annually by the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center The conference is conducted to provide training to those employed by government or nonprofit agencies in the fields of law enforcement, child protective services, social work, children’s advocacy, therapy and medicine who work directly with child victims of crime.