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Residents question $125,775 sheriff vest contract during consent item comment
Summary
Speakers pulled consent item 25-0266 to question a $125,775 contract for protective vests for the sheriff's department, arguing the funds could be spent on homelessness or victims' rewards; the board later approved the consent items by voice vote.
Two members of the public asked the board to pull and discuss consent item 25-0266, a contract worth $125,775 to purchase protective vests for the sheriff's department. Amanda Wallace, who identified herself as founder of Operation Stop CPS, said the amount should be weighed against community needs such as homelessness services and expressed concern about continued law-enforcement spending.
"We're spending $125,000 on protective vests when there are homeless people in Durham," Wallace said, urging commissioners to scrutinize consent items. Rafiq Zaidi suggested redirecting a portion of the funds toward reward money to help solve unsolved shootings. Antoinette Hawes and others at the podium repeated calls to prioritize housing, services and supports over equipment purchases.
Chair and commissioners returned to the pulled items later in the meeting; Commissioner Jacobs moved approval, Commissioner Burton seconded, and the motion passed 4'0to'0 on a voice vote.
