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Hundreds of residents urge Durham commissioners to reject $16M sheriff training center
Summary
Dozens of speakers at the public comment period urged the board to scrap a proposed $16 million sheriff training facility and a related Cisco contract, calling for funds to be redirected to housing, mental health and schools and warning against further militarization of local policing.
Dozens of Durham residents spoke during an extended public-comment period to oppose a proposed $16,000,000 sheriff's training facility and a $313,000 contract with Cisco. Speakers argued the money would be better spent on social services and education and warned the project would increase police militarization and harm marginalized communities.
"I was horrified to learn of this plan to invest 16,000,000 in a Durham County Sheriff's training facility," said Reina Russenko, a Durham resident active on homelessness issues. Several speakers named the proposed project a "cop city," saying it would produce "militarized" training and that the county should instead expand programs such as the HEART program and other nonpolice interventions. Others referenced environmental concerns (lead contamination from shooting ranges) and corporate responsibility, urging the county to reconsider contracting with Cisco, which some speakers said is on a boycott/divestment list.
Sheriff Clarence Birkhead and county legal staff did not request an immediate vote on the larger capital-project item; Chair (speaker 1) and several commissioners moved the item off the consent agenda and onto a January work session so the sheriff could present additional information. Commissioners and staff said they are compiling public emails and questions so the sheriff can respond in the work session. The board did not approve the $16 million project at the meeting.
Speakers emphasized alternatives to policing, including expanded mental-health services, housing supports, and youth programs. The public expressed frustration about perceived lack of community engagement and asked the board to hold more accessible meetings in neighborhood locations before advancing large capital requests.
