Research & Planning

The Research and Planning Section is under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge Scottie Carpenter.

The Research and Planning Section develops all advanced planning activities for the SBI to improve procedures, systems, quality, cost, and yields related to the work being done by the SBI. This planning may involve short and long range programs and identifying the future needs of the SBI through client needs assessments, feasibility studies, and the evaluation of current hardware and software needs. This section is also responsible for identifying, developing and requesting a broad management of grants available to the SBI.

Another responsibility of the Research and Planning Section is the overall development, review and maintenance of SBI policy and procedure, administrative orders, as well as the policy and procedure management.

The following are specialized units within this section:

Crime Reporting and Criminal Statistics Units: These units administer the crime reporting standards for North Carolina and provide support for the 475 law enforcement agencies who participate in the Uniform Crime Reporting Program. This involves the collation and analysis of data collected by the SBI to assure quality control of the data. The data is then compiled into the Uniform Crime Report and disseminated to locations throughout the state and country. This report is used by the media, legislature, local government, and the office of the Attorney General.

Traffic Stops Unit: This unit has the responsibility for developing and maintaining all traffic stops information data and uniform crime reporting information for the state of North Carolina. These programs include all statistical analysis of traffic stops for the state of North Carolina, which is used by the media, legislature, highway patrol, and local government. Agents making vehicle traffic stops based upon a motor vehicle violation pursuant to Chapter 20 of the NC General Statutes, shall complete SBI Form 122.

Accreditation Unit: This unit achieves and maintains law enforcement accreditation for the Bureau. The SBI must meet the following standards to maintain accreditation: (1) Increase agencies' capabilities to prevent and control crimes; (2) Increase agencies' effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement delivery; (3) Increase cooperation with other law enforcement; (4) Increase citizen and employee confidence.