Jeffrey Smythe Named New Secretary of Public Safety
This week, Governor Josh Stein (D) announced that Jeffrey Smythe will serve as his new Secretary of Public Safety. Current Secretary of Public Safety Eddie Buffaloe plans to retire officially on December 31st, to take a role with the Raleigh Police Department.
“I am excited to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Smythe as the new Secretary of Public Safety,” said Governor Josh Stein. “With his extensive record in public safety as the former police chief in Burlington and the current director of the Criminal Justice Standards Division at the Department of Justice, Jeff is the right person for the job. I’ve seen firsthand what a great leader and dedicated public servant Jeff is, and I look forward to continuing to partner with him to create a safer North Carolina because that work always continues.”
Smyth currently serves as the Director of North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Division of the Department of Justice, hired by then-Attorney General Josh Stein. Before that he served as the Police Chief of the Burlington. In the press release for the Governor’s office they touted his work on: addressing implicit bias, emphasizing de-escalation, and implementing behavioral health resources. Smythe started his career in Arizona and is native of Philadelphia.
During his time as the Police Chief of Burlington, data from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation reveals that from 2018 until 2021 the Total Index Crime increased from 2,736 in 2018 to 3,160 in 2021. Aggravated Assault, Larceny and Motor Vehicle Theft all saw a substantial increase during his time as chief, then Stein hired him in 2021 to train law enforcement. In his role in Stein’s office, Smythe likely played a pivotal role in implementing the recommendations from Cooper/Stein’s soft on crime taskforce.
Tim’s Take: Stein’s decision to pick one of his close advisors shows that he has no intention of changing public safety policy in North Carolina to better protect North Carolinians.
