Law

City Manager J. Russell Allen announced today that he has named Cassandra Deck-Brown to be Raleigh’s new Chief of Police. Deck-Brown has been serving as Interim Police Chief for the Raleigh Police Department since October 1, 2012, when former Police Chief Harry Dolan retired. Prior to being Interim Police Chief, she was the Deputy Chief. Deck-Brown is the first African-American female to hold the position. Her promotion is effective February 1.

District Attorneys are touting a plan to help North Carolina become safer as the General Assembly prepares to begin its legislative session.  The blueprint for a safer North Carolina is a collection of bullet points. Ben David wrote it and hopes it can lead to a more proactive approach when dealing with crime prevention, funding for the courts and recidivism. David is president of the state conference of District Attorneys and the DA in New Hanover and Pender Counties. He says these building blocks could help Manteo with one issue, and assist Asheville in another area.

North Carolina's attorney general wants new laws for state agents and prosecutors to urge cooperate in public corruption investigations.

Attorney General Roy Cooper says state prosecutors should be able to convene grand juries to get to the heart of corruption.  He's tried before to secure the power..but says the legislature has so far refused to act.  Wake County D-A Colon Willoughby says they can do it for drug offenses..but that needs to expand.

A gun-rights group is suing the city of Winston-Salem over what it claims are unconstitutional restrictions of concealed weapons.

Two years ago the general assembly gave cities the ability to regulate concealed handguns at county and municipal recreational facilities. Winston-Salem leaders defined recreational facilities as playgrounds, swimming pools, athletic fields and athletics facilities. Of the city's 69 parks, concealed handguns are prohibited in parts or all of 52.