Raleigh -- July 29, 2026: Standing alongside specialized units, K-9 teams, and leadership at the Raleigh Police Department’s Special Operations Division on Thursday, Gov. Josh Stein highlighted major public safety provisions packed into the state's newly signed budget, emphasizing record-setting salary increases designed to retain and recruit law enforcement officers across North Carolina.
The visit follows the recent signing of Senate Bill 257—North Carolina’s first comprehensive state budget in over two years. The $34 billion spending plan delivers significant financial backing to law enforcement agencies that have long faced staffing shortages and increased operational demands.
"Law enforcement careers are demanding and sometimes dangerous, but they are so important and rewarding," Stein said. "We must do everything in our power to support those who keep North Carolinians safe. With this state budget, we are sending a clear message that we value our law enforcement officers and are investing in the next generation of North Carolinians who choose a career to keep people safe."
Significant Pay Increases for State Officers and Local Support
The budget delivers some of the largest targeted salary increases for state public safety personnel in recent state history. Key pay raises provided under the budget include:
16.2% pay raise for officers within the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE).
15% pay raise for State Highway Patrol troopers.
13% pay raise for state correctional officers.
6.5% pay raise for probation and parole officers.
In addition to state-level pay hikes, the state budget sets aside nearly $40 million to issue a one-time $1,750 bonus to sworn local law enforcement officers across North Carolina municipalities and counties.
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce praised state leaders for recognizing local departments in the legislative package.
"I am sincerely grateful to Governor Stein and his team for their continued support of law enforcement across our state,” Boyce said. “Including local law enforcement in Senate Bill 257 is a meaningful investment in the men and women who serve our communities every day. We are thankful for this support and for the Governor's commitment to strengthening public safety throughout North Carolina."
Pairing Law Enforcement with Mental Health Resources
Beyond direct compensation, Stein highlighted broader investments aimed at addressing community behavioral and mental health challenges. Specifically, he pointed to co-responder frameworks like the Raleigh Police Department's ACORNS unit (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referral, Networking, and Service).
The ACORNS model pairs police officers directly with social workers and mental health professionals to respond to non-violent calls involving substance abuse, mental health crises, and unhoused individuals. State and local leaders emphasized that diverting these complex social issues to specialized personnel provides better outcomes for individuals in crisis while allowing sworn officers to focus their time and resources on violent crime and emergency response.
Image: NC Governor Stein's Office