Governor Josh Stein announced the appointment of Jeffrey Smythe as the new Secretary of Public Safety for North Carolina, following the retirement of current Secretary Eddie Buffaloe. The transition will take place at the end of December, with Smythe assuming his new role on January 1.
“I am excited to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Smythe as the new Secretary of Public Safety,” said Governor Josh Stein. “With his extensive record in public safety as the former police chief in Burlington and the current director of the Criminal Justice Standards Division at the Department of Justice, Jeff is the right person for the job. I’ve seen firsthand what a great leader and dedicated public servant Jeff is, and I look forward to continuing to partner with him to create a safer North Carolina because that work always continues.”
Smythe has led the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Division since August 2021, after being hired by then-Attorney General Stein. His career includes service as Police Chief in Burlington, where he emphasized officer wellness, de-escalation techniques, addressing implicit bias, and providing behavioral health resources. He began his law enforcement career with Arizona State University Police Department in Tempe, Arizona. Smythe holds degrees from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University and has completed executive leadership programs at Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command as well as the FBI National Academy.
“Secretary Buffaloe is leaving big shoes to fill, and I’m ready to build on his work to keep people safe across North Carolina,” said Jeffrey Smythe. “I’ll work closely with Governor Stein and law enforcement to make sure they have the training and resources they need as we partner to keep our neighbors safe from the mountains to the coast.”
Eddie Buffaloe will retire from his position as Secretary of Public Safety on December 31. Afterward, he will join Raleigh Police Department as Deputy Chief for Administrative Services.
“Eddie Buffaloe has dedicated his career to keeping North Carolinians safe,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Advisor, he has led our state through moments of tragedy and disaster and kept us fixed on our mission of building safer communities. I thank Secretary Buffaloe for his good counsel to me and his service to the state of North Carolina, and I wish him continued success in his next chapter with the Raleigh Police Department.”
“Serving the people of North Carolina as Secretary of Public Safety has been the honor of a lifetime, and I remain grateful for my team, my fellow Cabinet secretaries, and the leadership of Governor Cooper and Governor Stein,” said Secretary Eddie Buffaloe. “Jeff Smythe has done great work within the Justice Department and City of Burlington, and I look forward to seeing his work keeping North Carolinians safe.”
