Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
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Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 2.22 Increase face to face relationship building by going where residents already are
Creating a Safer Community Together
Description
The continued development of community programs builds trust as we strive to create a safer community together by meeting residents where they are. Often, the only opportunities for community members to engage with public safety agencies is during a crisis or otherwise unfortunate event. In order to build better, more meaningful and expansive relationships with community members, consistent effort must be made — across city agencies — to be available to residents outside of times of crisis with the goal to share space, listen, support, and even play.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Face-to-face mentoring by public safety officials helps build trust and strengthen relationships with youth. Through direct engagement, officers become more approachable and relatable, helping reduce fear and break down stereotypes while serving as positive role models.
Over the past year, officers have regularly tutored students through partnerships with Merrick Moore Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, and the Boys & Girls Club. The addition of the “Crash a Class” program in December expanded outreach and increased the number of students served. Tutoring levels remain steady during the school year, with expected pauses from June through September when school is not in session.
Tutoring Program
Why is it important?
Increased training and support will give community members the knowledge and skills to assist each other and their families. Regular interactions with community members outside of crisis situations allow public safety agencies to educate and prepare the community for potential hazards. Proactive engagement helps to prevent incidents and ensures residents are well-informed and prepared. Exposure to these types of skills may lead to an interest in learning more about public safety and encourage community members to actively engage with these initiatives. Additionally, this creates a sense of involvement and co-ownership in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Initiatives like the "Stop the Bleed," CPR programs, and tutoring initiatives would give community members further knowledge and enhance trust, communication, engagement, and overall community well-being.
What have we been doing?
DPD and DFD have expanded their community presence through a wide range of youth programming, mentorship initiatives, safety training, and neighborhood engagement events — deepening relationships with Durham residents where they live, learn, and play.
Key activities include:
• Hosting DPD and DFD Summer Camps serving 60+ youth, and launching the DFD Fire Cadet Program.
• Advancing the Durham Police Athletic League (PAL) mentoring program at Merrick Moore, Oak Grove Elementary, and Boys and Girls Club — engaging 150+ students monthly through Crash-a-class at Y.E. Smith Elementary.
• Launching DFD 'Ladder Up for Literacy' at Sandy Ridge Elementary, serving 100+ third-graders monthly.
• Hosting DFD Toys and Books for Rides serving 500+ families; providing Stop the Bleed/CPR training to 302+ participants; conducting 355 smoke detector installations; and delivering Fire Extinguisher training to 1,207 participants (up from 383).
What's next?
Efforts to deepen community relationships through direct engagement will continue through the following activities:
• PAL School Mentoring – Continuing PAL mentoring programs at partner elementary schools through 2025/6 school year. Same for Crash-a-class program.
• Summer Camp Planning – Planning and consolidating to four youth camps to increase per-camp capacity.
• Mobile Manufacturing Delivery – Delivering the Mentoring Mobile Manufacturing unit in June 2026 with final deployment scheduled for fall 2026.
• DFD/DPD Community Outreach – Continuing regular community engagement events through June.
• Long-Term Programming – Expanding DFD Youth Engagement events to 10 months per year and aligning the Cadet Program with the Fire Academy pipeline.
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Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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