The Community Advisory Board is comprised of a group of citizens who meet quarterly with Sheriff Birkhead to ensure transparency and accountability for the Durham County Sheriff's Office to all residents. The program’s primary goal is to provide a forum to identify challenges, needs, and concerns in the community. It will also foster a partnership with the public and the Sheriff’s Office in an effort to solve problems, find mutually agreeable solutions and create a safer Durham County. All Durham County residents are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants must be at least 21 years of age, reside in Durham County and be willing to attend the Community Academy to learn and understand the operations and responsibilities of the Durham County Sheriff's Office.  

Board Responsibilities

• Inform the Sheriff of community issues or concerns
• Offer ideas and suggestions to address and resolve community concerns
• Advise the Sheriff on how to improve community trust between law enforcement and their respective communities
• Uncover blind spots that are evident to the community but not necessarily specific to law enforcement
• Inform the community of important initiatives and bring feedback to the Sheriff
• Attend all quarterly meetings of the Board
• Maintain confidentiality of all closed meetings and information acquired as a board member

Board Member Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age and reside in Durham County 
• Ability to listen and engage positively with people from different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds with varying opinions
• Demonstrated ability to think independently and work collaboratively
• Open-minded, curious, accepting, responsive, and willing to work with others
• Ability to think critically, ask, and answer questions
• Ability to understand issues from different perspectives
• Ability to understand and process information (print, online, and oral) effectively and efficiently
• Upon appointment, must attend the Community Academy to learn and understand the operations and responsibilities of the DCSO

Apply through March 6, 2023 by downloading an application here.   

All applications should be mailed to: 

DCSO - Community Engagement Office
P.O. Box 170
Durham, NC 27701

 For more information contact the Director of Community Engagement, Grace Marsh at 919-560-0904