Cooper says SBI needs independence

From Noelle Talley, Public Information Officer, Attorney General Roy Cooper, May 12, 2014

The following fact sheet outlines the reasons why Attorney General Roy Cooper opposes the move of the SBI to the Department of Public Safety

An SBI independent of the executive branch prevents undue influence on investigations. The SBI has led more than 500 investigations of public officials over the past decade using field personnel as well as financial crimes and computer forensics experts.

The investigations include the past three governors’ administrations, gubernatorial campaign staff, a House Speaker, members of Congress, legislators and judges.

It also includes gubernatorial appointees, like cabinet secretaries, and other agencies under the Governor’s direction, such as Corrections, Highway Patrol and DMV.

Moving the SBI to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a step toward a “state police” force and more bureaucracy.

Local law enforcement is best suited to respond to local public safety needs.

Locals rely on quick response from the SBI field offices near their communities.

The SBI assists local law enforcement in major cases, providing expertise in areas such as financial analysis, arson, meth lab eradication, fugitive apprehension, anti-terrorism, forensic services and more that require a high caliber of professional training.

An independent investigative agency provides a check on power.

State law says agencies must report misuse of state property to the SBI, requiring an outside look into whether state resources have been criminally misused.

For 75 years under governors of both parties SBI investigations have been independent of the executive branch.

A move wastes time that North Carolina should be using to fight crime.

Sheriffs, police chiefs, District Attorneys and other law enforcement agencies support the SBI where it is, in the NC Department of Justice.

The SBI gets requests from state prosecutors and sheriffs to investigate public corruption locally and statewide.

Additional background information:

NC Sheriffs’ Association: “Conclusions: There is no good public policy reason for this transfer. Moving the SBI to DPS will hinder, not help, local law enforcement. North Carolina does not need a state police agency.” Position paper, 2013

NC Association of Chiefs of Police: “The Association has not been provided any information that an organizational move would enhance the ability of the SBI to carry out its unique mission or provide any cost savings. Indeed it is quite possible that such a move would create a more costly and bureaucratic process.” Statement from Chief John Lettney, 2013

Gov. Pat McCrory: “I’ve never asked for it and I’ve got enough on my plate,” McCrory told WRAL anchor David Crabtree (May 21, 2013). “I haven’t seen the argument yet presented to me why that needs to be done.”

OSBM’s review confirms no cost savings, predicts additional costs: “Having looked at consolidation options, it is important to note that the agency consolidations . . . savings will be nominal. The agencies will still require . . .structures to ensure proper command and adherence to strict standards, and this limits the overall savings. Thus, the disruption might be more than the value, and there may be new costs because salary structures may have to be aligned as well as vehicles, weapons and communications devices.”

The move is not a consolidation of statewide law enforcement. Sworn law enforcement officers are employed with:

? General Assembly Police

? Department of Revenue

? Department of Insurance

? Division of Parks & Recreation

? NC DMV-License and Theft

? Wildlife Commission

? Department of Agriculture

? NC Secretary of State Securities Division

? Marine Fisheries Patrol

? University of North Carolina system campuses