DURHAM, N.C. (WPTF) – Almost three-quarters of Research Triangle Park is in Durham County, and now the Sheriff’s office has a permanent presence at Hub RTP.
In 2022, seeing the proposed growth in Research Triangle Park, Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead began discussions with park executives to identify a location for a Durham County Sheriff’s Office Annex. The addition of residences, retail, and entertainment to create a “live, work, play” environment inside RTP is transforming the dynamic of law enforcement operations in the area.
“Since the inception of RTP in the 1960s, the area has been largely commercial,” said Birkhead. “Law enforcement services for the roughly 55,000 workers across 385 companies in this 7,000-acre portion of unincorporated Durham County previously focused mostly on property crimes and business safety. Now that RTP is evolving into an active residential community, our approach to serving this area must evolve with it.”
In late 2024, Hub RTP welcomed its first residents, transitioning the district from an exclusively commuter hub into a round-the-clock community. With thousands of additional residential units projected over the next five years, local growth creates new service needs. Beyond standard patrols, residential areas require civil court services, animal control support, and direct public access to records and permitting.
“Throughout the planning stages, our goal was to provide a space where community members can access the same services offered at the downtown courthouse without making the drive,” Birkhead added. “The new annex in Hub RTP does just that. Whether residents need incident report copies, fingerprinting, or permit applications, they can complete it all right here.”
The 4,800-square-foot office space provided by RTP will also serve as an operational base for deputies assigned exclusively to the RTP patrol area. In the fall of 2025, the Durham County Board of Commissioners approved five new deputy positions dedicated to the district. This facility and dedicated staff will help ensure prompt emergency responses while enhancing service delivery across all of Durham County.
Leaders at Research Triangle Park echoed the importance of the partnership in supporting the district’s long-term master plan. “As Hub RTP continues to grow into a dynamic destination to live, work, and play, strong community partnerships are vital,” said Jonathan Pruitt, CEO of The Research Triangle Park Foundation. “Partnering with Sheriff Birkhead and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office to bring this full-service annex to Hub RTP ensures our expanding community of residents, workers, and visitors has convenient access to essential safety and administrative services right in their neighborhood.”