Public Safety

Mother of sexual assault victim in Carmichael Residence Hall petitions for more secure dorms

Following the Oct. 22 sexual assault of a UNC student inside of Carmichael Residence Hall, the mother of the victim has partnered with other UNC parents to express dorm safety concerns to the University. 

'It's important that it's done right': Officials, residents discuss voting security in OC

Some rhetoric surrounding the election security has sparked an increased number of concerned citizens, especially regarding the fairness and accuracy of the vote. In Orange County, election officials are responsible for ensuring elections are efficient, fair, convenient and accurate.

Drug Enforcement Administration raises awareness for prescription drug misuse

The Chapel Hill Police Department set up a drop-off site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 29. The site and information desk was located at Wegmans Food Market on Fordham Boulevard and aimed to educate the public about the dangers of misuse of prescription drugs. 

How students can stay safe on and off campus

With the recent reports of crime on campus, students are urged to remain aware of campus resources to stay safe – such as the Carolina Ready Safety App, Alert Carolina and the SafeWalk program. 

Chapel Hill Police Department runs monthly speed checks to improve pedestrian safety

Four days a month, Chapel Hill residents can expect to see more patrol presence focused on preventing speeding and improving yield rates at crosswalks in areas with higher pedestrian activity. The dates are released on the town's website each month.

Assistant Police Chief Jabe Hunter retires after 25 years of service to Chapel Hill

After 25 years of service to the community, Jabe Hunter, a Chapel Hill Police Department assistant chief, announced his retirement on Oct. 3. Hunter held various positions in the department before he was promoted to serve alongside Police Chief Chris Blue in 2013.

Suspect arrested in connection with gunfire at 800 Pritchard Ave Ext., one fatality

At 6:18 p.m., the Chapel Hill Police Department responded to a report of multiple gunshots at 800 Pritchard Ave. Ext., according to a press release from the Town.  U.S. Marshals with the Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested the 29-year-old suspect on Oct. 4. 

Chapel Hill sees sharp rise in gun violence, more deaths than previous four years combined

Since the start of the year, Chapel Hill has been rocked by uncharacteristic violence — 2022 has seen five homicides so far.

'These are going to be more common': Tropical Storm Ian hits NC, causes outages and closures

After passing through South Carolina as a hurricane, Ian hit North Carolina as a tropical storm last weekend, causing power outages, downed trees, blocked roads and four deaths.

Carrboro Police charge 20-year-old suspect in shooting at 370 E. Main St.

The Carrboro Police have charged a 20-year-old man with six counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill following a shooting that occurred last week.

Here's what you need to know about Alcohol Law Enforcement's authority in North Carolina

Recent events in Chapel Hill, including a forceful student arrest on Franklin Street, have left some residents wondering about Alcohol Law Enforcement's purpose, power and presence – especially in a college town. ALE enforces the state’s alcoholic beverage control, lottery and tobacco laws. Its mission, according to its website, is to “reduce crime and enhance public safety."

As North Carolina students return to school, some counties tighten safety precautions

As North Carolina students return to classes for the new school year, schools across the state are working to ensure their safety through a variety of security and preventative measures.  For some North Carolina counties, this means installing body scanners at school entry points or introducing portable detectors for large gatherings. Other programs, including the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System and Crisis Go apps, help students anonymously report threats and quickly connect them to their school’s administrative and security teams.

'Could have very serious health repercussions': Coal ash poses problems for NC

Coal ash, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants, contains contaminants like inorganic arsenic — a known carcinogen — and mercury, which can be harmful to organs and bodily functions if ingested.  Without proper management, these contaminants can pollute air, groundwater, drinking water and waterways. 

Column: Too few protections exist for young women, non-binary renters

"Little can be done, however, to enforce the everyday interactions that result in the stigmatizing, belittling and disempowerment of female and female-presenting renters, as they are informal breaches in a longstanding culture of inequity."

Chapel Hill Police respond to pedestrian death on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

Chapel Hill Police responded to a call about a person in traffic last night at 9:14 p.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near Perkins Drive.

Editorial: ALE arrests reveal problems with law enforcement presence in the community

Chapel Hill Police Department charges suspect in University Gardens shooting

A 19 year old died on Thursday evening from gunshot wounds at the University Gardens apartment complex located at 800 Pritchard Ave. Ext. 

Chapel Hill Police Department offers safety training program for bar, restaurant workers

The Chapel Hill Police Department and UNC Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services are offering two bar safety programs for restaurant staff on the second Monday of every month. The program includes two back-to-back courses — Being a Responsible Server and Raise the Bar. 

Search for new Chapel Hill police chief underway as Chris Blue's retirement approaches

While Blue's successor has not yet been announced, Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger said that candidates from within the Chapel Hill Police Department and across the country have applied for the position. 

'It's really powerful': Chapel Hill Police Department Crisis Unit hires first peer support specialist

The Chapel Hill Police Department Crisis Unit recently hired Laverne Burton as its first peer support specialist. She began in the role on June 13. The new position is designed to help those who need mental health support connect with someone with lived experience. Burton works mainly with unsheltered people and often meets them in the street to provide them with support and resources.