Michael Oates has been promoted to director of the License & Theft Bureau with the rank of Colonel.
ROCKY MOUNT – N.C. Division of Motors Vehicles’ Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced today the promotion of License and Theft Bureau Internal Affairs Supervisor Major Michael Oates to the position of Director of the Bureau with the rank of Colonel.
“With his patience, sound decision making and ability to listen, as well as 16 years at the Division and 22 years in law enforcement overall, the License and Theft Bureau is in a great position to thrive,” said Commissioner Goodwin. “During his years in Internal Affairs, Colonel Oates developed a deep-rooted passion for fair and impartial treatment for all, no matter the circumstances.”
Oates began his law enforcement career in 2000 with the Holly Springs Police Department. After five years, he joined the License and Theft Bureau as a Field Inspector serving the Wake County area. Oates was then afforded the opportunity to move to the Internal Affairs Unit and became Supervisor. Oates is a member of the North Carolina Internal Affairs Investigators Association where he currently serves on the executive board. Oates succeeds Colonel Eric Copeland, who retired on April 1.
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License and Theft Bureau was created in 1921 by the N.C. General Assembly and celebrated its centennial in 2021. It is the oldest state law enforcement agency in North Carolina.