In a recent public mailing addressed to residents of Durham County, Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead has come forward with a direct statement regarding disagreements with county commissioners and the state of the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Birkhead asserts he has not been dishonest about his willingness to collaborate and has been proactive in addressing community safety issues. The discussion flows around the contentious upgrade of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility and, more broadly, funding and resource concerns.
According to a statement from the Durham County website, the Board of Commissioners approved the training facility's expansion with split votes. The sheriff described this decision as exciting but expressed displeasure over what he considers misrepresented facts concerning his record on collaboration. Furthermore, Birkhead takes issue with the Commissioners’ claims about the Sheriff's Office's funding, highlighting that after budget allocations for various necessities, the actual operational budget remains marginally over six million dollars.
Birkhead emphasizes his track record of advocating for alternate response models, particularly in relation to non-violent mental health crises—a stance that seemingly aligns with the mission of the HEART program. "I have regularly met with HEART director, Ryan Smith," Birkhead stated, noting that he remains open to discussing the program's possible expansion across county lines. While recognized for investing over 15 years in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for deputies, Birkhead also serves on key committees related to criminal justice reform and public safety, as mentioned by the county's official website.
On the issue of emergency communications, the sheriff noted: "No one, including the Board of County Commissioners, has spoken to me about 911 center consolidation." He calls for a thorough analysis before any decisions are made, criticizing grandstanding in lieu of effective governance. The sheriff outlined his concerns about inadequate funding and deterioration of the detention center's critical infrastructure—problems such as malfunctioning fire suppression systems, unreliable air conditioning and heating, and failing security equipment. Birkhead's letter concludes with a rebuttal to the notion that he is inaccessible to the public, saying, "I and my staff meet regularly with residents, community groups, neighborhood associations, businesses, and churches across the county," according to the same news release.
