The officers were enlisted after they graduated from the 44th Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy. The latest class of graduates took on 880 hours of training and are expected to start at their new postings in the next month or so. Banner printing is sometimes used to celebrate graduations like this.
The new additions were well received, as the County is currently dealing with a shortage of corrections officers and deputies. The DCSO has reported that 22% of the positions for corrections officers and deputies are vacant and need to be filled. There are currently 30 vacancies for deputy positions and 87 vacancies for detention officers.
Clarence Birkhead, the Durham County Sheriff, said that the county is Constantly recruiting. A pay rise for deputies has just been approved and the Sheriff hopes that this will entice more people to sign up for the force. Sheriff Birkhead also commented:
“I’m starting to see the curb bend toward more applicants, we’re getting more applicants every day and we’re screening them and hopefully we’ll have enough to start our next Academy with 20 cadets.”
The next round of training will commence in October and those who wish to sign up can do so by visiting the Durham County Sheriff’s Office’s website.