Durham County Sheriff
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Durham County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division does not trap and remove wildlife and does not issue Trap Permits to trap and remove wildlife. Questions about wildlife can be directed to N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Trap Permit
- A trap permit is required when trapping cats and dogs on your property.
- 30 Day Trap permits are issued by Durham County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division at no cost.
- You are required to bring a photo ID with current address on ID.If your current address is not on your photo ID you will need to bring proof of residency, current utility bill, or tax records.Records will not be printed up in the office.
- If it is an apartment complex, management must request a trap permit in person bringing photo ID and proof of employment as management.
- You cannot fill out a Trap Permit online, fax it over, or fill it out for someone else.
- Wildlife must be safely removed from the trap and released on property.
- Persons with a trapping permit are responsible for taking all cats and dogs trapped to the Durham County Animal Protection Society at 2117 E. Club Blvd. with their current permit.
Trap Request
- A cat or dog trap can be requested to be set on owner’s property. Trap request application must be completed by property owner in person at the Animal Services Division Office.
- You cannot fill out a Trap Request online, fax it over, or fill it out for someone else.
- You must bring a photo ID to the office with current address.If your current address is not on your photo ID you will need to bring proof of residency, current utility bill, or tax records.Records will not be printed up in the office.
- If it is an apartment complex, management must complete a trap application in person bringing photo ID and provide proof of employment as management to the Animal Services Division Office.
- Personal or real property sold at an auction is purchased as is without the guarantee of a warranty. The relocation of purchased property at an auction is the responsibility of the purchaser.
- It is strictly up to potential bidders to research any mortgages, liens, or encumbrances attached to any real or personal property they intend to bid on.
- By law, all sales are cash only; however cashier's checks and money orders are accepted. When you bid on real or personal property, you must pay at the time of the auction. If you are paying with a cashier's check or money order, make checks payable to the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
- You must bring check or money order to the sale to make an immediate purchase. If a bidder does not have payment immediately at the sale, the sale will be nullified and the property will be resold. Please avoid bidding on real or personal property if you do not have the money to complete the sale at the auction.
- If the bidder's payment exceeds the total amount due, the Sheriff's Office will refund any over payment to the purchaser by regular mail.
- All auctions are listed on the Durham County Sheriff's Office's website. A list of auctions are also posted on the first floor of the Durham County courthouse. Some listings are made available on social media via Twitter and Facebook.
- The Durham County Sheriff's is mandated by law to hold public auctions with the primary goal of satisfying civil judgments.
- You may go to any DCSO facility and ask to file a complaint. Any member of the DCSO can take the initial complaint and will forward same to the accused member's supervisor. While it is preferable for citizens to file their complaint in person, complaints registered by correspondence, telephone or e-mail will be investigated. You may submit a complaint by printing the Complaint Form[PDF] from the website and mail to: Chief Deputy Robert Whitted, Durham County Sheriff's Office, Post Office Box 170, Durham, NC 27702.
- Complaints can be filed alleging any improper or unprofessional behavior or conduct by any employee of the Durham County Sheriff's Office, sworn or civilian. These include (but are not limited to) complaints about law enforcement service, unprofessional conduct, demeaning language, harassment or excessive force. A citizen complaint may be a direct allegation by an individual, or third party or group allegation.
- A complaint may be accepted from an anonymous source, provided there is enough factual information to permit an investigation. Anonymous complaints are not recommended, because they are so difficult to investigate.
- Yes. The agency member taking the complaint will forward it to the accused member's supervisor. If the accused member's supervisor is not available then it will be forwarded to the on-duty supervisor. The assigned supervisor will evaluate the complaint for severity and settle or further investigate the complaint. In evaluating the complaint the receiving supervisor will determine if the complaint can be handled at the level of authority at which the complaint was received. Most cases are handled at the supervisory level; only the most serious allegations are investigated directly by Internal Affairs. Each citizen complaint is investigated in an objective, independent, fair and ethical manner. The investigating official will contact you within three (3) working days of being assigned to the investigation and provide you with information about how to contact him. Investigating officials are generally allowed 15 working days in which to conduct a thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances of the complaint. In special situations, an extension may be granted. The employee against whom a complaint is made will always be given an opportunity to respond to the complaint.
- After gathering and analyzing all evidence, the investigating official will prepare a written report containing findings and recommendations. The report is forwarded up the chain of command to the Chief Deputy. The report will contain one of four specific findings:
' Unfounded - The allegation is false or there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation;
' Not Sustained - There is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation;
' Exonerated - The incident complained of occurred, but was lawful and proper; or
' Sustained - The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to indicate that the allegation is true. - Due to the personnel privacy statutes, the only information that may be released to a complainant about the resolution of their complaint, is that an investigation has been completed.
- The Durham County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing high-quality, professional service to every member of the community. If you feel that a member of the DCSO exceeded this standard in serving or assisting you, the DCSO would like to hear from you.
You may file a commendation in person, by correspondence, telephone or e-mail. Any member of the DCSO can take the commendation and will forward same to the member's supervisor and the Sheriff. - The following contact information is to be used for submitting crime tips ONLY. The crime tip phone number and e-mail account are not monitored 24/7 and you may not receive a response. All crime tips given to the Sheriff's Office remain confidential and anonymous.
If you wish to leave a crime tip via telephone, please call 919-560-7151
If you wish to submit a crime tip via e-mail, please e-mail crimetip@durhamsheriff.org
For general Sheriff's Office inquiries, please call 919-560-0897 or e-mail sheriff@durhamsheriff.org
To report a crime in progress call (919) 560-0900 or if it is an EMERGENCY call 911 Discovering a Crime
If you observe a crime in progress or discover one that was committed earlier, there are several basic things you can do to assist the Police Department. If the crime is in progress, please call 911 and provide as much information as possible. Please give the location of the crime, type of crime, victim and suspect information, a suspect description if possible, and a vehicle description. Try to go to a safe place until officers arrive. If the crime was committed earlier, do not disturb anything and call the police. Give the 911 telecommunicator as much information as possible and wait for the officer to arrive.
Reporting the Crime
When the officer arrives, he or she will need certain information about the crime. The officer will ask what you observed and if there were other witnesses. The officer will need your name, address and telephone number. Try to remember as many details about the crime as possible and provide this information to the officer.
Reporting Confidential Information of a Crime
Call (919) 560-0940 or Email us at: CrimeTip@DurhamSheriff.org
All information is confidential and always remains anonymous.- In order to initiate a civil action against a person or business, the plaintiff, his attorney, or agent must go to the Durham County Clerk's Office located on the 3rd Floor of the Durham County Judicial Building located at 510 South Dillard Street Durham, NC 27701.
- In order to have papers issued by the Clerk's office, the plaintiff, attorney, or agent must pay certain fees that vary by type of process to be served. Please contact the Durham County Clerk of Court at (919)808-3003(919)808-3003. The Sheriff also charges a fee to serve process. The fee for process issued in the state of NC is $30.00 per defendant to be served. The fee for process issued outside the state of NC is $100.00 per defendant.
- At this time, certain legal constraints and technological obstacles prevent the Sheriff from accepting fees and civil process by electronic transmission.
- You can check by visiting our Civil Process Lookup site.
- The Durham County Sheriff's Office handles thousands of papers every month. With the exception of certain domestic violence cases and child custody cases, we generally do not attach a higher priority to any particular type of process. We understand that every case is a personal priority to the concerned litigants and try to manage our offices efficiently to provide the best service possible using available resources.
- Contact the Durham County Clerk's Office at (919)808-3008(919)808-3008 to find out what step is next.
Once the Sheriff receives my Writ of Execution, how much does it cost for the Sheriff to levy on property in the name of a defendant?
The Sheriff of Durham County has standard fees that must be paid in advance by the plaintiff, his attorney or agent prior to the Sheriff or his designated deputy levying on property. This is to ensure that the Sheriff of Durham County does not encumber costs associated with satisfaction of the judgment. The advance levy fees are as follows:
' $250.00 to levy on a vehicle
' $500.00 to levy on real property
' $500.00 to levy on a business
Other advanced fees may be required if there is personal property requiring special moving or storage, or the use of heavy equipment to move the property is required.
*Please note: advanced fees will be refunded in full if the property isn't seized. Advanced levy fees are also refunded in full after the sale of property; as this fee is charged to the highest bidder at the time of sale.- With few exceptions, all information, including litigant names, addresses and telephone numbers, are public record as a matter of law.
- If for any reason we were not able to serve your process after due diligence or within the legal time frame allowed for such process, you have a couple of options:
1. you may have the paper re-issued so that the Sheriff may try again to obtain service on an individual.
2. Seek legal advice for information regarding other forms of services for your type of process.
NOTE: Only the Sheriff or his designated deputies can serve Writs of Execution and Writs of Possession. - The Durham County Sheriff's Office cannot provide legal advice. Landlord/tenant dispute is a civil matter. You may need to consult an attorney to fully understand your civil rights as a landlord.
I am a landlord; can I change the locks on my rental property without involving the Sheriff's Office?
No, you should not. This would not be a legal eviction. There are specific general statutes in the State of North Carolina that regulate the eviction process. A landlord must obtain a court order to evict a tenant from rental property. The Sheriff, not the landlord, is the only one who can remove the tenant and/or his personal property from the rental premises. The landlord cannot force the tenant to move at any stage of the eviction process nor can he/she impede the tenant's ability to enter the premises except in order to maintain or repair the premises.- Start by filing a civil action in Small Claims (Magistrate's) Court. The process begins with what is called the 'Summary Ejectment' process. The tenant must first be served with a Magistrate's Summons and Complaint in Summary Ejectment. The Summons will state the date time and place for a court hearing.
- Both tenant and landlord have the opportunity to speak at the hearing. After the hearing the Magistrate will render a judgment for or against the landlord. If the Magistrate rules in favor of the landlord the landlord may file for a Writ of Possession for Real Property ten (10) days after the judgment. The Writ of Possession is a court order that orders the Sheriff to evict the tenant.
- No, only a Sheriff or his/her Deputies may serve a Writ of Possession for real Property. Upon receipt of the Writ of Possession for Real Property the Sheriff's Office will contact the landlord to schedule the date and time to serve the Writ and evict the tenant. The landlord or his agent will meet the deputy at the location in question. The landlord is responsible for supplying and changing the locks. The landlord is responsible for providing a means to gain entry into the premises so that a deputy can ensure that all occupants leave the premises to include removing any animals that may be inside at the time of the eviction.
If there is personal property inside the premises when the locks are changed, can I dispose of it immediately?
A tenant has ten (10) days to contact the landlord and set a time to retrieve all personal property. The Sheriff's Office does not assist in the retrieval of these items once the eviction has occurred. If the tenant has not claimed the property after 10 days the landlord may dispose of the property but the Sheriff's Office cannot give the landlord any advice as to how that property may be disposed of.- As the landlord, you have the right to stop an eviction if you wish. Contact the Evictions Unit at (919)560-0860(919)560-0860 and also fax a Cancellation Request to (919) 560-0991(919) 560-0991. You must indicate why you are cancelling the eviction, i.e. defendant paid, moved out, or you worked out some other arrangement with the defendant. Once canceled, the writ will be returned to the clerk of court.
As the landlord, you have the right to stop an eviction if you wish. Contact the Evictions Unit at (919)560-0860(919)560-0860 and also fax a Cancellation Request to (919) 560-0991(919) 560-0991. You must indicate why you are cancelling the eviction, i.e. defendant paid, moved out, or you worked out some other arrangement with the defendant. Once canceled, the writ will be returned to the clerk of court. - Concealed handgun permit applications are available online at Permitium.com, or in person at the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Renewal applications are also available online at Permitium.com, or in person at the Sheriff's Office Records Division. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- $90 cash
- $85 cash
- $15 cash
- Licensing fees are mandated by the State of North Carolina. An explanation of the fees can be found here, under section '14-415-10.
- North Carolina driver's license or ID card (a North Carolina driver's license or ID card is not required for active duty military personnel); original certificate showing completion of an approved firearms safety course; completed application packet; Veterans Affairs medical release form (if applicable); original DD-214 (if applicable); signed 'Do's and Don'ts of Carrying a Concealed Handgun'; and Citizenship Form & Naturalizations papers if not born in the U.S.; and a copy of military PCS orders (if applicable, this is only required for active duty personnel that are residing in Durham County due to a military assignment but are legal residents of another state or county).
- Forty-five to 90 days after all of the required paperwork is received by the Sheriff's Office. A representative from the Sheriff's Office will contact you when the concealed handgun permit is ready for pick up.
- The application process is typically slowed down by the acquisition of medical records. Once all of the required medical information is received by the Sheriff's Office, the rest of the approval process is started.
- Five years from the date of issuance.
- Yes. You must be a U.S. citizen and have been a resident of North Carolina for 30 days or longer before applying for a concealed handgun permit. Exemptions for active duty military personnel apply.
- Yes. However, the Sheriff's Office does require active duty personnel to present a copy of their PCS orders to North Carolina and proof of address (such as a utility bill) in Durham County when applying for a concealed handgun permit.
I have a valid concealed handgun permit from another county in North Carolina and have moved to Durham County. What do I need to do?
Begin by updating your driver's license to reflect your new address. Then notify the sheriff's office in your previous county of residence about your address change. They will provide you with change of address documentation that you must keep with your current permit. When it is time to renew, you will do so in your new county of residence.I have a valid concealed handgun permit issued in another state and have moved to Durham County. What do I need to do?
North Carolina and Durham County recognize valid concealed handgun permits from all 50 states. Please check with your state to ensure your CCW will still be valid under their laws after you move to North Carolina or change your legal residence In any event, 90 days prior to the expiration of your out-of-state concealed handgun permit, you must complete an approved North Carolina firearms safety course. After completing the course you may apply for a new North Carolina concealed handgun permit with the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
Your CCW address is not required to match your NC driver's unless you intend to purchase a firearm. If you intend to purchase a firearm, you will need a purchase permit. A purchase permit requires a matching address.- The Sheriff's Office does not sponsor or endorse any particular firearms safety course. However, approved courses must be certified or sponsored by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Most local gun dealers and pawn shops have a list of instructors. The Sheriff's Office does not accept online firearms safety courses.
- Please refer to North Carolina General Statute '14-415.10 for an in-depth explanation of where carrying a concealed weapon is not permitted.
- Begin by updating your driver's license to reflect your new address. After doing so, come to the Sheriff's Office Records Division to update the address on your concealed handgun permit.
- You may obtain a duplicate permit by submitting to the Sheriff's Office a notarized statement that the permit was lost, stolen or destroyed and paying the required $15 duplicate permit fee.
- Yes.
- Begin by updating your driver's license to reflect your new name. After doing so, come to the Sheriff's Office Records Division to update the name on your concealed handgun permit and pay the $15 cash fee for a duplicate concealed handgun permit. Please bring a marriage license or other official document related to your name change for verification. It typically takes two weeks for the Sheriff's Office to receive the new permit from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A representative from the Sheriff's Office will contact you when the new permit is ready for pick up.
- Yes, a Durham County concealed handgun permit authorizes you to carry a concealed weapon anywhere in North Carolina, when permitted by law.
- Most states honor a concealed handgun permit issued in North Carolina. However, it's best to research and confirm a reciprocal agreement is in place before traveling out of state with a concealed weapon. Effective December 1, 2011, North Carolina automatically recognizes concealed handgun permits issued in any of the 50 states.
- 510 South Dillard Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Weapons such as firearms, knives (of any size), sharp objects such as scissors, pepper spray, and more. Please leave items like these at home or in your vehicle'you will not be allowed to leave them at the door.
- Yes. All visitors to the courthouse must pass through security when entering the building. Visitors must remove all metal objects and belts prior to going through the metal detector.
- The Sheriff's Office Cashier, located in the Civil division on the 1st floor.
- 3rd floor.
- District is on the 4th floor, Domestic in on the 5th floor and Superior is on the 7th floor.
- 4th floor.
- 1st and 2nd floors
- 1st floor.
- 1st floor.
- 1st floor.
- 8th floor.
- 3rd floor.
- 6th floor.
- 5th floor.
- 5th floor.
- 1st floor.
- 1st floor.
- 3rd floor.
- Clerk's office 1st floor
- At the Detention Center
- Clerk's office 1st floor
- Project Lifesaver is a rapid-response program that saves lives and reduces potential injury by quickly locating adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, dementia, or other related conditions.
- Clients enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around their wrist or ankle that emits a unique tracking signal. If the client goes missing, the caregiver notifies the Durham County Sheriff's Office and a trained search team responds to the wanderer's last known area. On average, Project Lifesaver clients are located within 30 minutes.
- Any adult or child who meets all of the following criteria:
' Lives in Durham County
' Has a physician-diagnosed brain disorder
' Is known to wander away from caregivers - Project Lifesaver is a free service provided by the Sheriff's Office thanks to generous community donations and government grants. Regular donations are needed to buy Project Lifesaver equipment for those who need protection, but may not have the financial resources to participate. For more information about making a donation, please call 919-560-0871.
- Download the application HERE, complete it, and return it to the Sheriff's Office via email to TMJones@DurhamSheriff.orgor mail it to Durham County Sheriff's Office, Attn: Lt. Tisha Jones, 510 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, you will be asked to review and agree to the terms of a user agreement contract which is available for download HERE, or visit the Durham County Sheriff's Project Lifesaver page.
- Your application will be typically be reviewed within 10 business days of receipt, after which a Sheriff's Office representative will contact you to explain the next steps of enrollment. Please note that due to limited equipment availability, your loved one may be placed on a wait list. Currently, the Sheriff's Office Project Lifesaver program is limited to a small number of clients as we work to increase the number of available transmitters.
I've been placed on the wait list, but I don't want to wait and I have the means to purchase a transmitter, may I do so?
Project Lifesaver equipment must be purchased by the Sheriff's Office directly from Project Lifesaver. The general public is not allowed to purchase equipment. However, you may make a donation to Project Lifesaver and request that it be designated for use by the Durham County Sheriff's Office. For more information about making a donation, please go to Project Lifesaver's Livesaver Angels program website.- Please contact the Sheriff's Project Lifesaver Administrator, Sergeant Tisha Jones, at 919-560-0897 or email TMJones@DurhamSheriff.org.
- ' Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
' Must not have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
' Must be a citizen of the United States.
' Must be at least 21 years old.
' Must meet all the applicable standards and qualify for State Detention Officer certification in accordance with the North Carolina Sheriffs Education & Training Standards Commission, as well as the policies of the Office of the Sheriff of Durham County.
' Must have a valid North Carolina Drivers' License in good standing. ' Successfully complete the Sheriff's Office Physical Abilities Test (SOPAT)
' Take and pass the state-mandated Reading Comprehensive Exam and pass with at least a 10th-grade reading scale.
' Background Investigation
' Review Board Interview
' Final Selection' Drug Screening
' Psychological Exam
For more information see the Detention Officer Information- The SOPAT is the Sheriff's Office Physical Agility Test. It is utilized during the hiring process to help determine if an applicant is in sufficient physical shape to complete the daily job requirements.
The SOPAT consist of the following steps:
1. Cone 1 to Cone 2 (140 ft).
2. Roll Drill, 3 repetitions (a-d equals 1 repetition);
a. Start on top of the 100 lb. heavy bag with left knee on mat
b. Roll to the right until bag is over body
c. Continue roll in same direction until back on top of heavy bag (complete when right knee touches mat)
d. Perform complete turn to left until left knee touches mat
3. Perform 10 push-ups
4. Drag 165 lb. dummy from Cone 2 to Cone 3 (40 ft.)
5. Go to Step Box and perform 30 Steps (up and down) on step box
6. Roll Drill, 3 repetitions
7. Run from Cone 2 to Cone 1 (140 ft.) / Recite Location to Stop Time
View the Sheriff's Office Abilities Test (SOPAT) - On average the application process for a Detention Officer position usually takes approximately 90 days, from the time the completed application is turned in, to the time the final decision is made by the Sheriff.
- You can apply online for the Detention Officer position here.
- The Sheriff's Office does not hire people specifically for a BDOT academy. The Sheriff's Office hires personnel specifically for positions that available. Once a person is hired, they will be scheduled for an academy within one year of their start date.
- The academy lasts 6 weeks. Upon graduation, the Sheriff's Office adds additional post-academy training, to include departmental policy and procedures, and classes specific to the Sheriff's Office.
- ' Must be at least 20 years old.
' Must be a citizen of the United States.
' Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. **Training and Standards require a high school equivalency diploma be at least partial classroom.
' Must possess or be able to possess a North Carolina driver's license.
' Must not have been charged or convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
' Must meet all the applicable standards and qualify for State Law Enforcement Certification in accordance with the North Carolina Sheriffs' Training & Standards Commission as well as the policies of the Office of the Sheriff of Durham County. - For certified (B.L.E.T.) Applicants only / Not Certified see Detention Officer:
1. Background Investigation
2. Review Board Interview
3. Final Selection
4. Notify Rejected Applicants
For more information see the Deputy Sheriff Information - On average the application process for a Deputy Sheriff position usually takes approximately 90 days, from the time the completed application is turned in, to the time the final decision is made by the Sheriff.
- You can apply online for the Deputy Sheriff position here
- BLET academy lasts approximately 20 weeks. After the academy is completed the Sheriff's Office usually adds additional post academy training, to include Departmental policy and procedures, and classes specific to the Sheriff's Office.
- Yes we do, as long as you have not been out of Law Enforcement for more than 1 year.
- No.
- No.
- A private citizen or law enforcement officer has filed a complaint with the court against a person. The court has decided that there is probable cause the person in question committed the offense stated and the charge merits an arrest to be brought before a judicial official to answer the charge(s).
- Generally, an Order for Arrest is issued for failing to appear in court. However, an OFA may also be issued for failure to pay monies to the court, failure to comply with an order, contempt, failure to pay child support or other civil matter. An OFA can also be issued if enough probable cause has been brought to the court showing that the subject will not appear in court. These orders can be issued from criminal or civil court.
- A Criminal Summons informs an individual that a complaint has been brought against the person and orders that person to appear in court at a specific date and time. Citizens being served with a criminal summons will not be arrested. A Criminal Summons simply directs a citizen to appear in court and face the charge(s) filed.
- You may turn yourself in at the Warrant Control Center, Monday - Friday from 7:00am - 11:00pm. Be sure to bring government-issued photo identification. You do not need to bring any additional items, as they will be taken from you and held by jail staff until you are released. You will be given the opportunity to use a phone after being processed into the jail.
- You do not need to bring a bondsman with you, but it may be a good idea to contact one before turning yourself in. Sheriff's Office personnel cannot recommend a bondsman, nor can they call one for you. A phone book will be provided to you if required.
- Each person, case, and charge is different; therefore a bond is typically set when you appear before a court official. Sheriff's Office personnel do not know what your bond will be, nor are they able to ask a judicial official on your behalf.
- Warrant Control personnel will not provide active warrant information over the phone. There are three ways you may learn if you have an outstanding warrant:
Consult with your attorney;
Go to the Clerk of Court Office located in the Durham County Courthouse (510 S. Dillard St.) and ask about outstanding processes;
Go to the Warrant Control Center located inside the Durham County Jail (219 S. Mangum St.) and ask about outstanding processes. - If you live inside the city of Durham, please call Durham Police Department's non-emergency at 919-560-4600. If you in an unincorporated area of Durham County, please call 919-560-0900.
Sheriff's Office Animal Services will respond to your residence if a wild animal is currently in a common living area (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc.) of your home. Please call the Sheriff's Emergency Communications Center at 919-560-0900 for assistance.
If the animal is outdoors, Durham County Animal Services will not respond to calls of this nature. Please contact a private pest removal contractor or wildlife trapper for assistance.
- Durham County Animal Services will not respond to calls of this nature. Please contact a private pest removal contractor or wildlife trapper for assistance.
I have a problem with raccoons, foxes, coyotes, or other wild animals coming onto my property or into my yard, what do I do?
Sheriff's Office Animal Services generally does not respond to calls related to wild animals, except in the event of an emergency. Please contact the North Carolina Wildlife Commission or a private wildlife trapper for information about dealing with nuisance wild animals.The Durham County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division offers a low cost one year rabies vaccination for cats and dogs 4 months of age and older.
- Cost: $10.00 cash only exact change.
- Normal Vaccination Hours: During our vaccination hours it is first come first serve on Tuesday, and Thursday.Morning hours are 10:00 – 12:00 and afternoon hours are 2:00 – 4:00.
- Appointments:If you have four or more animals please contact our office at 919-560-0630 to set up a special appointment for all of them at one time.
- Requirements:Dogs must be on a leash and cats will need to be in a carrier.You must be able to hold your animal during the vaccination.You will need to clean up after your pets inside and outside of the building.
- Please call Sheriff's Office Animal Services at 919-560-0630 during normal business hours to inquire about vaccinations or other administrative questions. Animal licensing is managed by the Durham County Tax Office, which can be reached at: 919-560-0300.
- The Durham County Sheriff's Office cannot provide legal advice. Landlord/tenant dispute is a civil matter. You may need to consult an attorney to fully understand your civil rights as a landlord.
I am a landlord; can I change the locks on my rental property without involving the Sheriff's Office?
No, you should not. This would not be a legal eviction. There are specific general statutes in the State of North Carolina that regulate the eviction process. A landlord must obtain a court order to evict a tenant from rental property. The Sheriff, not the landlord, is the only one who can remove the tenant and/or his personal property from the rental premises. The landlord cannot force the tenant to move at any stage of the eviction process nor can he/she impede the tenant's ability to enter the premises except in order to maintain or repair the premises.- Start by filing a civil action in Small Claims (Magistrate's) Court. The process begins with what is called the 'Summary Ejectment' process. The tenant must first be served with a Magistrate's Summons and Complaint in Summary Ejectment. The Summons will state the date time and place for a court hearing.
- Both tenant and landlord have the opportunity to speak at the hearing. After the hearing the Magistrate will render a judgment for or against the landlord. If the Magistrate rules in favor of the landlord the landlord may file for a Writ of Possession for Real Property ten (10) days after the judgment. The Writ of Possession is a court order that orders the Sheriff to evict the tenant.
- No, only a Sheriff or his/her Deputies may serve a Writ of Possession for real Property. Upon receipt of the Writ of Possession for Real Property the Sheriff's Office will contact the landlord to schedule the date and time to serve the Writ and evict the tenant. The landlord or his agent will meet the deputy at the location in question. The landlord is responsible for supplying and changing the locks. The landlord is responsible for providing a means to gain entry into the premises so that a deputy can ensure that all occupants leave the premises to include removing any animals that may be inside at the time of the eviction.
If there is personal property inside the premises when the locks are changed, can I dispose of it immediately?
A tenant has ten (10) days to contact the landlord and set a time to retrieve all personal property. The Sheriff's Office does not assist in the retrieval of these items once the eviction has occurred. If the tenant has not claimed the property after 10 days the landlord may dispose of the property but the Sheriff's Office cannot give the landlord any advice as to how that property may be disposed of.- As the landlord, you have the right to stop an eviction if you wish. Contact the Evictions Unit at (919)560-0860(919)560-0860 and also fax a Cancellation Request to (919) 560-0991(919) 560-0991. You must indicate why you are cancelling the eviction, i.e. defendant paid, moved out, or you worked out some other arrangement with the defendant. Once canceled, the writ will be returned to the clerk of court.
As the landlord, you have the right to stop an eviction if you wish. Contact the Evictions Unit at (919)560-0860(919)560-0860 and also fax a Cancellation Request to (919) 560-0991(919) 560-0991. You must indicate why you are cancelling the eviction, i.e. defendant paid, moved out, or you worked out some other arrangement with the defendant. Once canceled, the writ will be returned to the clerk of court. If you were represented by a lawyer, they should have obtained the order at the time your case was being heard. If this did not happen, please contact your attorney and request a signed court order though them. If you were not working with a lawyer, please see the Clerk of Courts on the first floor of the Durham County Courthouse. They will instruct you on how to obtain a court order.
Please see the attachments labeled PROPERTY RETURN PACKET, or FIREARM RELEASE PACKET on the Property page of our website. Submit your court order along with the corresponding packet according to the provided instructions. You may also come in person to the 2nd floor of Sheriff’s Office to pick up a packet and submit the paperwork along with your court order at that time.
If your property was taken for safekeeping or was entered as found property, in order to release it we will need the permission of the deputy who submitted it. Please call our office to get the process started. We will reach out to the deputy and will follow up with you when we may release the items.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders require different paperwork. Once the matter has been settled in court you will have to file a Motion to Return Weapons with the court. They will provide you with another court date where it will be decided if you are eligible to receive the weapons back. If the judge declares you eligible to retrieve the firearms, they will give you signed Order to Return Weapons. Once you have the order in hand you can submit our firearm return packet on our website or come by the 2nd floor of the Sheriff’s Office and fill out a packet in person.
The Durham County Sheriff's Office Division of Property and Evidence is open Monday through Friday 8am – 4pm (with the exception of government holidays).
If you were charged you will need a court order to have your items returned to you. This is regardless of the outcome of the court proceedings. You will also need a valid state issued ID or driver's license at the time of pick up.
Even if your charges were dismissed, you are required to obtain a court order to pick up your items.
If items were taken pursuant to criminal charges your property will be held until the matter has been resolved in court. Please wait until your trial date has passed.
Once we have received your packet, we will reply within 5 business days. During this time, we will review your documents and begin the process. In most cases it will not take that long to call you, however there are times where we have to reach out to the DA’s office, clerks, or other deputies in order to get the authority we need to release your property. When we have to reach out to other parties it will sometimes slow the process a bit. If you have not heard anything from us in 5 business days, please give us a call. Durham County Property and Evidence may be reached at by calling on the Property and Evidence staff at 919-560-7368.
If Durham sheriff’s deputies handled the incident, your items are being held here at the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. If the Durham Police Department responded, they will be holding your items. They can be reached at 919-560-4442
Once you have been given an appointment time, you will come to the second floor of the Sheriff’s Office in the Durham County Courthouse. The door is at the top of the staircase landing. After going through security, take the stairs immediately across from the metal detectors. The door will be at the top of the steps. You may also take the elevator to the second floor and turn left when exiting the elevator. Once in the second floor Sheriff's Office waiting area, please ask for Property and Evidence.