Sheriff Clarence Birkhead Joins “In Touch with Durham County” Show for November Episode
Durham, N.C. – The November 2026 episode of the “In Touch with Durham County” show produced by the Durham County Public Information Office has premiered, featuring a full-length conversation on the role of the Office of the Sheriff, the agency’s efforts to build trust with residents and neighborhoods, and new investments that expand its presence across the County and strengthen its workforce.
In our latest episode, host Deborah Craig-Ray, Durham County Chief Communications Officer, holds an important conversation with Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead who last appeared on “In Touch” in the spring of 2023.
Watch it on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/VOvxwABl2Pc.
The episode begins with Birkhead sharing his background and path into law enforcement. A native of Asheboro, N.C., began his career in 1984 as a deputy with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and later served as Chief of Police for Duke University and the Town of Hillsborough before Durham County voters first elected him Sheriff in 2018. He discusses the sheriff’s major responsibilities as an elected official, what the role looks like in the Durham community, and highlights his connection with recently appointed Durham Police Chief Stephanie Mardis and the collaboration across Durham.
He also reflects on testifying before a U.S. Senate committee in early 2026 on immigration policy and the role of local law enforcement and talks about his work with state lawmakers and community groups to reduce gun violence and promote responsible gun ownership and safe practices. The first segment closes with a look at new initiatives to build trust among residents, neighborhoods and law enforcement, and the vital role the Durham County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers play in supporting and protecting young people in Durham public schools.
The second half of the episode looks at Sheriff Birkhead’s recent statewide recognition and at new investments that are expanding the Sheriff’s Office. Birkhead is a recipient of the 2024 North Carolina Dogwood Award, which honors those working to improve the health, safety and well-being of North Carolinians. He discusses the Sheriff’s Office’s new annex in Research Triangle Park, in the Hub RTP, which offers residents and businesses convenient access to services such as fingerprinting, records requests and concealed carry permit applications, and serves as a base for patrol and investigations.
In conclusion, he previews the new DCSO Training Facility and how it will support efforts to recruit and train new deputies. He also outlines the agency’s Mental Health and Wellness initiative. Sheriff Birkhead ends his conversation with Craig-Ray by sharing his vision for the DCSO in the years ahead.
We hope you explore this month’s show!
About “In Touch with Durham County”
The “In Touch with Durham County” show is a regular program that provides governmental programming and access to your local government and provides timely, ongoing coverage of Durham County Government. Each episode features important conversations with Durham County Government staff, elected officials, and community partners to keep residents informed about the latest happenings, programs and services.
The show airs on the Durham Television Network (DTN). DTN is available on Spectrum (channel 8 and 1302), and AT&T U-verse channel 99. Residents may also download the BoxCast app, available for Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV and search for “City of Durham” to find content available on demand.
To view past editions of the “In Touch with Durham County” show, visit the DCo YouTube Channel here.
For more information on the Durham County Public Information Office, visit the PIO website, call 919-560-0000 or email publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.
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