The North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety is an umbrella agency that carries out many of the state's law enforcement, emergency response and homeland security functions. The department was created in 1977. It is headed by a Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety, who is appointed by the Governor of North Carolina and is a member of the Cabinet.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the North Carolina National Guard are two divisions of the department.
The State Defense Militia is a military entity authorized by both the State Code of North Carolina and executive order. The State Defense Militia (NCSDM) is the state’s authorized militia and assumes the state mission of the North Carolina National Guard in the event the Guard is mobilized. The NCSDM comprises retired active and reserve military personnel and selected professional persons who volunteer their time and talents in further service to their state.