Monthly Attorney Orientation
For Lawyers who are New to Indigent Defense
Beginning August 1, IDS staff will provide orientation for new attorneys on the first Friday of each month from 1-2 p.m.
Topics will include a guided tour of the IDS website, information on training and CLE opportunities, access to wellness resources and more. You will also be able to connect with other defense attorneys for future collaboration!
2026 Education and Mental Health Series
2026 IDS Forensic Science Education Series
IDS and the Mecklenburg Public Defender’s Office provide regular continuing education to dozens of NC criminal defense and parent attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists who attend the IDS Forensic Science Education Series.
In 2026, we will offer monthly 90-minute webinars on various aspects of forensic evidence. These webinars will take place typically at 12:30 pm on the first Thursday of each month. Click here to view the 2026 Schedule.
The first six sessions of 2026 will focus on understanding and advocating for neurodivergent clients.
Law Enforcement Agencies and Their Recording Devices
July 7, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Online | Registration Fee: $0
The NC Association of Chiefs of Police, along with the UNC School of Government and the North Carolina Judicial College, invite you to join a webinar on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:15 p.m.
Law enforcement agencies have more recording devices than ever, including body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and security cameras. Reporters and members of the public are making more requests than ever for the release or disclosure of agency recordings. These requests are governed by important recent court decisions about the proper procedure for such requests, the limitations a court may place on any release, and whether a subpoena may be used in lieu of the statutory process.
To help agencies understand and comply with their legal obligations, the UNC School of Government, in partnership with the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, is offering a free webinar led by Professors Shea Denning and Jeff Welty. It will review the provisions of the relevant statute, explain how the appellate courts have interpreted the statute, and address how agencies should respond to requests for recordings. This webinar is appropriate for law enforcement leaders, records custodians, and attorneys. Advance registration is required.
