Durham sheriff announces new community panel to be 'extra set of eyes and ears'

Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead on Friday announced a new initiative, aimed at better connecting deputies and the community they serve.

Called the Community Advisory Board, the plan is an effort to get feedback from Durham County residents on issues as a way of building trust between law enforcement officers and the residents they protect and serve.

Birkhead described the idea as groundbreaking, saying he doesn't know of any other cities or counties that are doing anything similar.

The board will be made up of 25 people have been selected by the sheriff's office after the residents have applied to be on the panel.

The committee will meet with the sheriff four times a year to discuss issues in the community and how to address them.

Birkhead sees it as a chance to build trust.

"The sheriff's office needs an extra set of eyes and ears," he said. "We cannot be everywhere. We're going to be looking for the community to engage us, feed us information, and talk to us about how we can develop better relationships and solutions.">

The sheriff says his office is accepting applications now.

Click here to download or apply in person at the Durham County Courthouse.