Durham Debates Sheriff's Facility and HEART Expansion

The board discusses funding for a new sheriff's training facility amid public calls for alternative safety investments. Commissioners weigh in on the HEART program expansion and the need for a consolidated 911 center. 28mins

Budget Public Safety & Police
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Original Meeting

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Durham County Board of Commissioners on YouTube
Monday, January 13th, 2025
9359.0
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Video Notes

Durham BOCC Regular Session

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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Chair Allam reminds the board about the opening of the RISE Assessment Center and moves to approve the minutes from the previous session. 
  • Chair Allam concludes the resolution, emphasizing the board's commitment to racial equity and calls for community reflection on Dr. King's legacy. 
  • Discussion on item 24-0789 begins with Commissioner Jacobs raising concerns about duplicative services in the backup 911 center and Sheriff's backup call center. 
  • Manager Hager responds to Commissioner Jacobs' concerns, explaining the flexibility in design and the early stage of the project. 
  • Commissioner Burton asks about counties with combined 911 centers. Manager Hager and Commissioner Jacobs respond. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs clarifies her concerns about having separate backup centers for the city and county, advocating for a consolidated approach. 
  • Chair Allam moves to item 24-0645, the capital improvement project for the Sheriff's training facility. 
  • Nandi Smith, a Durham County resident, expresses concerns about the proposed $16 million facility, urging investment in wellness and prevention-focused safety measures instead. 
  • Elizabeth Johnson, a PhD candidate, shares research findings on law enforcement officers' roles and supports the expansion of alternative responder programs like HEART over a new training facility. 
  • Cara Martinez shares a personal story about the benefits of the HEART program and the need for its expansion, contrasting it with a negative experience involving the Sheriff's Office. 
  • Jennifer Carroll, representing the Durham Community Safety and Wellness Task Force, emphasizes the importance of expanding the HEART program and criticizes the Sheriff's Office for lack of cooperation. 
  • Meg Hopkins from the ACLU urges a no vote on the training facility, advocating for investments in public safety that address systemic inequities and support community members. 
  • Paul Wilson supports the Sheriff's training facility, citing the need for professional development and adequate training facilities for law enforcement. 
  • Mark Olsenski, a former IT Director, emphasizes the importance of proper training for police and fire departments, sharing his personal experiences with training programs. 
  • Amanda Wallace, founder of Operation Stop CPS, voices strong opposition to the $16 million allocation for a Sheriff's training facility, arguing it is harmful and diverts resources from community needs. 
  • Wendell Bullard, a military veteran, supports the Sheriff's decision on expenditures, emphasizing the importance of trained law enforcement for community safety. 
  • Max Center asks the commissioners to vote no on the training facility, discussing the broader implications of investing in policing and advocating for a future with less reliance on law enforcement. 
  • Steve Essiger, a Durham resident, supports the need for a new training facility, citing personal experiences and the importance of well-trained officers for community safety. 
  • Virginia speaks against the bond for the sheriff's training facility, raising concerns about transparency, oversight, and environmental impact. 
  • Vice Chair Lee clarifies his position on the training facility, emphasizing the role of the board in providing resources and the importance of elections in holding officials accountable. 
  • Vice Chair Lee addresses the importance of managing both sides of the law enforcement funding debate. 
  • Vice Chair Lee advocates for the HEART program and a co-response model with law enforcement, emphasizing the need for progress and collaboration. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs states her opposition to the $16 million funding for a new sheriff training facility. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs elaborates on her concerns about linking the funding decision to broader community safety and well-being issues, and questions the efficiency of current funding allocations. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs discusses the high funding received by the Office of the Sheriff and raises concerns about capital and operational funding issues, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs questions the efficiency of maintaining separate 911 centers and highlights the potential benefits of a consolidated system for the HEART program. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs calls for action on expanding the HEART program and emphasizes the need for efficient use of public funding and a consolidated 911 center. 
  • Commissioner Valentine acknowledges community concerns but supports the training facility as a necessary capital improvement project, emphasizing the importance of law enforcement training. 
  • Chair Allam expresses her support for law enforcement while acknowledging the community's demand for accountability and transparency. She discusses the Community Safety and Wellness Task Force and the need for action on their recommendations. 
  • Chair Allam continues to discuss the importance of accountability and transparency, particularly in relation to the Sheriff's Office. She mentions the lack of public meetings for residents to address the Sheriff and the need for more community engagement. 
  • Chair Allam shares her attempts to facilitate a meeting between the Community Safety Wellness Task Force and the Sheriff's Office, highlighting the lack of response. She concludes by stating her decision not to support the facility funding without accountability. 
  • Commissioner Burton shares her perspective on the vote regarding the sheriff's facility funding. She acknowledges the diverse opinions within the community and emphasizes the importance of listening to all residents. She expresses her support for both law enforcement training and community programs. 
  • The board votes on two items pulled from the consent agenda: the capital project amendment for the Sheriff's Training Facility and a contract for pre-construction services for the Durham County EOC. Both items are approved, and the meeting is adjourned.