A proposed $16 million training center for Durham County sheriff’s deputies has become a flashpoint of controversy, drawing protests and prompting county commissioners to delay the project for further discussion.
The facility, planned for Electra Road, would include a 10,000-square-foot building with classrooms, bathrooms, and storage for training equipment. The project also calls for upgrades to an existing shooting range in the area. Despite these plans, opponents argue the funds would be better spent addressing pressing social issues such as homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse.
Public Outcry
Protesters gathered at Tuesday night’s county commissioners’ meeting to voice their opposition.
Durham resident Rayna Rusenko criticized the project, saying,
“The law-and-order approach to social and economic problems, which this project represents, threatens our entire lives.”
Fellow protester Elizabeth Johnson echoed similar sentiments, urging the county to shift its focus to preventative programs that reduce reliance on law enforcement.
“We must invest in programs that take the pressure off law enforcement by addressing issues such as mental health, homelessness, and substance abuse,” Johnson said.
Sheriff’s Office Defends the Plan
Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead defended the proposed training center as a necessary investment in public safety and officer preparedness.
“Without order, there’s chaos, and we maintain order,” Birkhead told CBS 17. “To do that, we’re training our officers to be the best they can be. This training center development represents that.”
Birkhead highlighted the inadequacies of the current training facilities, which lack classrooms, restrooms, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He expressed frustration over the delay, noting that postponing the project could increase its costs.
“We thought we had a solid plan to move forward with the sheriff’s training center,” Birkhead said. “It’s an improvement on our current scope… where we can hold training and continue to say that the Durham County Sheriff’s Office is one of the most trained in North Carolina.”
The sheriff also called for open dialogue, stating,
“Unfortunately, no one knocks before they protest our property. My door is open. I welcome them anytime.”
What’s Next?
The training center has been a topic of discussion in county meetings for some time and is part of Durham’s Capital Improvement Plan, according to officials. Commissioners plan to revisit the proposal on January 6, taking into account the concerns raised by residents.
Despite the opposition, Sheriff Birkhead remains committed to the project, emphasizing the need for better facilities to support ongoing training and ensure high standards of law enforcement.
A Divided Community
The debate over the training center underscores broader tensions around resource allocation in Durham. While some see the project as a step toward improving public safety, others argue that addressing root causes of social issues should take precedence.
For now, the future of the training center hangs in the balance as Durham grapples with finding a path forward that balances public safety and community priorities.
