Attorney General Josh Stein visited Kinston to discuss issues related to violent crime in North Carolina. The meeting, hosted by Mayor Don Hardy, was attended by local leaders, law enforcement officials, and community members.

"We need state-local partnerships to effectively address the issue of violent crime in our state," Stein stated. He commended the efforts of the task force and recognized the critical role of local communities in addressing this issue.

One of the key concerns discussed during the meeting was the rising threat of fentanyl-related deaths. Stein emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl. He recounted an incident involving a young man who lost his life to fentanyl poisoning.

Stein discussed the challenge of recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers, which has been a concern for many cities, towns, and counties. He presented a range of proposals, such as expanding the Criminal Justice Fellows Program to attract young individuals looking to serve their communities and offering hiring bonuses to new or retired military police.

Stein commended the work of the task force and expressed his dedication to working alongside the community. Other speakers included Dr. Gerard Tate, director of the North Carolina Office of Violence Prevention and Jeff Harrison, director Lenoir County DSS.