News from the NC Department of Justice: April 2023 | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    Freeze-out Scammers

    April is Financial Literacy Month, a time we dedicate to empowering people with the information they need to make the personal finance decisions necessary to meet their goals. Financial education helps people become more knowledgeable about finances and develop skills and strategies to manage personal finances, savings, and develop good credit.

    More information is available at ncdoj.gov/credit, including tips for consumers. For example, did you know that you can place a free security freeze on your credit reports to block an identity thief from opening a new account or getting credit in your name?

    If you're concerned about your personal and financial data security, all consumers can get a free security freeze online, by phone, or by mail. A security freeze, also known as a credit or a file freeze, can be lifted (or "thawed") temporarily when you are applying for credit, or removed permanently.

    If you have questions or concerns about security freezes, contact our office's Consumer Protection Division at 877-5-NO-SCAM or at ncdoj.gov/securityfreeze.

    Fighting for Justice

    We owe it to survivors and victims of sexual assault to get them justice. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, NCDOJ is continuing efforts to raise awareness for victims and survivors and seeking justice. Recently, state law enforcement agencies reported making 135 arrests by testing evidence in cases with a sexual offense and receiving hits from DNA samples the North Carolina State Crime Lab submitted to CODIS. CODIS is the system of local, state, and national criminal justice DNA databases and under the Survivor Act, law enforcement agencies are required to report to the State Crime Lab when they make an arrest as a result of a CODIS hit.

    Together, we can do more to support victims of sexual assault. Learn more about the warning signs of sexual assault as well as the resources available to victims and survivors by visiting ncdoj.gov/sexualassault.

    Criminal Justice Fellows Program

    Law enforcement agencies around the state are reporting vacancies, which presents a real challenge for public safety in our communities and a real opportunity for public-spirited young people. The North Carolina Criminal Justice Fellows Program is working to turn the tide by recruiting talented high school graduates and high school seniors into the criminal justice profession. Each year, this program funds fellowships for students who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to the school and community, and a desire to serve the state of North Carolina in the criminal justice profession.

    The North Carolina Criminal Justice Fellows Program provides forgivable educational loans to participants who agree to enter the criminal justice profession in North Carolina. This fellowship will fund an Applied Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or other Committee approved field of study from any North Carolina Community College.

    The application closes April 30, 2023. Please share this information with your constituents and networks. You can learn more - including how to apply - here.

    Enhancing our Environment

    This month, we celebrate Earth Day! It is up to all of us to safeguard and protect North Carolina and its natural resources. NCDOJ's Environmental Enhancement Grant program awards funding to projects across our state that protect and enhance our environment for generations to come. Since its creation, the EEG program has awarded more than $41 million to 210 projects throughout the state.

    Grants range from $5,000 to $500,000 for three-year grants. Government entities and nonprofit organizations, including academic institutions, can apply for funding for initiatives that improve environmental quality in North Carolina. The program has a preference for projects that address environmental harm and damage to overburdened and under-served communities, as well as projects in eastern North Carolina.

    Read about previous grant winners here.

    Read more about the EEG program here.

    Help us Improve

    Last year, NCDOJ created this intergovernmental newsletter to share important information with you, our local elected leaders, and your constituents. We appreciate your partnership and the feedback we have received thus far. In an effort to make sure the newsletter is most helpful to you and your constituents; we would appreciate your responses to the four brief questions here. Thank you for your help and your service!