Clarence is from Asheboro, North Carolina. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Shaw University and a master’s degree in organizational management from Pfeiffer University.

Office of the Sheriff | Durham County Sheriff

Clarence Birkhead is from Asheboro. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Shaw University and a master’s degree in organizational management from Pfeiffer University. He lives with his wife, Kathy, and has three children.

Clarence is the Sheriff of Durham County. He works at the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, where he has been since first being elected in 2018.

Clarence previously worked as associate vice president of safety and security at Queens University, chief of police at the Hillsborough Police Department, chief of police at the Duke University Public Safety Department, and assistant chief at the Randolph County Sheriff's Office.

Clarence F. Birkhead is currently the Sheriff of Durham County. He was first elected in 2018 and has served two terms.

Clarence Birkhead - Ballotpedia

Clarence currently serves as the Durham County sheriff. He was first elected in 2018, and is serving his second term.

Said "public safety has never been just about enforcement—it is about fairness, compassion, and listening to the people we serve. "

As sheriff, "increased efforts to rid our communities of drugs and remove guns from our neighborhoods."

As sheriff, "implemented the Sheriff’s Targeted Enforcement Program (STEP) to address quality of life concerns in our community regarding public safety, gun violence, and criminal activity."

- Said "public safety has never been just about enforcement—it is about fairness, compassion, and listening to the people we serve. "
- As sheriff, "increased efforts to rid our communities of drugs and remove guns from our neighborhoods."
- As sheriff, "implemented the Sheriff’s Targeted Enforcement Program (STEP) to address quality of life concerns in our community regarding public safety, gun violence, and criminal activity."

Public Safety

Supports medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse, mental health care, peer support, transition services, and improving family communication for inmates in jail.

- Supports medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse, mental health care, peer support, transition services, and improving family communication for inmates in jail.

Jail Management

As sheriff, "rejected ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] detainers without a judicial warrant or a Notice to Appear."

As sheriff, banned no-knock warrants, which allow police to enter a property without first knocking and announcing their presence.

As sheriff, "implemented all aspects of  '8 Can’t Wait'," a set of law enforcement use of force policies that are intended to de-escalate violence.

As sheriff, created a Citizens Advisory Board to increase communication between the community and the sheriff.

- As sheriff, "rejected ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] detainers without a judicial warrant or a Notice to Appear."
- As sheriff, banned no-knock warrants, which allow police to enter a property without first knocking and announcing their presence.
- As sheriff, "implemented all aspects of  '8 Can’t Wait'," a set of law enforcement use of force policies that are intended to de-escalate violence.
- As sheriff, created a Citizens Advisory Board to increase communication between the community and the sheriff.

Criminal Justice

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Clarence F. Birkhead

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- The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law, managing security in jails and courtrooms. They also oversee daily conditions of the jail and inmates in custody and serve legal documents such as warrants and eviction notices. Their ultimate responsibility is to protect the community. 

Durham Sheriff

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