RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s public safety chief received a $23,000 salary increase in April in part based on the secretary’s growing workload. The raise frustrated some concerned about correctional officer pay and the Cabinet agency.
State human resources spokeswoman Jill Lucas says Hooks’ increase reflects his “24/7” responsibilities, including work to improve prison safety and build out a new disaster recovery office. The station says the increase was reviewed by human resources and approved by Cooper’s office.
State Sen. Bob Steinburg leads a Senate prison safety panel. Steinburg says he was “flabbergasted” by the increase and called the timing inappropriate given a legislative proposal to move the adult prison division out of the department.
