Chambers, Gilchrist to join Highway Patrol advisory panel

Gov. Bev Perdue has announced creation of a six-member panel to advise her administration on the restructure of the State Highway Patrol's leadership, and the group includes Charlotte lawyers Julius Chambers and Peter Gilchrist, the Mecklenburg district attorney.

Also on the panel are former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Burley Mitchell, former FBI official Chris Swecker, now a Charlotte security and fraud consultant, Norma Houston of the UNC School of Government and a former key aide to Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, and former Court of Appeals Judge Ralph Walker. The six-member panel brings a wealth of experience to the advisory group.

“This panel’s insight and experience will be especially beneficial as we chart a new course for the Patrol that will reestablish their reputation as one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the nation,” Perdue said. “The men and women who serve – and our citizens – deserve nothing less.”

Perdue said in a news release that the group will advise the Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety Reuben Young on the selection process for a new commander. They are to report by Sept. 1, and their goals include:

"1.) Recommendations on the Patrol's structure and policies, including the selection of a new commander

"2.) Consideration of any legislative recommendations for the next session necessary to enact further reform

"3.) Rebuilding the focus on integrity, honor and the proud heritage of the Patrol."