Susanna Davis Director, Legislative Affairs | North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Susanna Davis Director, Legislative Affairs | North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Orange County Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood is set to lead his first meeting as chair of the Governor’s Crime Commission on Thursday, March 20. This follows his recent appointment by Governor Josh Stein, who will be present at the meeting to discuss the state's criminal justice priorities.
Sheriff Blackwood has a law enforcement career spanning over 40 years and was initially appointed to the crime commission in 2017. He has previously held the position of vice chair.
“Throughout his career, Sheriff Blackwood has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and public safety,” said Caroline Farmer, executive director of the Governor’s Crime Commission. “He has earned the respect of criminal justice partners in Orange County, in Raleigh and across the state. I am grateful that he has agreed to chair the commission and continue to help shape criminal justice policy in our state.”
Blackwood started his career with the Uniform Patrol Division of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in 1980 and worked his way up until being elected sheriff in 2014. His leadership includes serving as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association since 2022, being appointed to the SBI Center for Analysis of Police Use of Force in 2020, and joining the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services Board in 2021.
The upcoming meeting will take place on Thursday, March 20, in Wilmington. More details about this event can be found on NCDPS's website.
The Governor's Crime Commission acts as an advisory body for both the governor and secretary of the Department of Public Safety concerning crime and justice matters. The commission sets program priorities while reviewing grant award recommendations for submission to the governor.
Commission members include leaders from statewide criminal justice and human service agencies, court representatives, law enforcement officials, local government members, General Assembly participants, nonprofit agencies personnel, private citizens, and youth representatives.
Further information about this commission is available online.
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