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New webpage of the Orange County Sheriff's Office of North Carolina. CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND INCOMPLETE. Please use ocsonc.com for current details Orange County Sheriff's Office 106 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Phone: (919) 245-2900 | EMERGENCY DIAL 911 We Provide a Range of Services to Meet Our Community's Needs. We are dedicated to maintaining safety and security while building trust and establishing strong connections within our community. Some of our most visited services are listed below. Click the "SERVICES" tab in the above menu to see all of our offerings. Fingerprinting Discover More Detention Discover More Join Our Team! Discover More CCW Permits Discover More Daily Crime Report Discover More About Us Discover More Crisis & Victim Services Discover More Parent & Student Resources Discover More Our Divisions Discover More Eviction & Civil Services Discover More Sheriff's Office employees participate in high school career fair Citizens' Academy Participants listen as Sheriff Blackwood welcomes the group to the progr Law Enforcement officers run up a hill with the Special Olympic torch Sheriff's Office employees participate in high school career fair 1/8 Public Information Press Release Daily Crime Report The Lowdown VUKMER IN CUSTODY AT THE ORANGE COUNTY DETENTION CENTER April 10, 2026 Hillsborough, NC (April 10, 2026) – After waiving extradition proceedings in Grayson County, Virginia earlier in the week, Matthew Vukmer is now in the custody of the Orange County Detention Center. Investigators formally served Vukmer with the first-degree murder charge taken out against him on March 6, 2026. The magistrate ordered him held without bond, which is customary in such cases. Vukmer is expected to have his first appearance before a district court judge at the 2:00 PM session of court today. At that hearing, the judge will reiterate to the defendant the nature of the charge against him and remind him of his legal rights. The judge will also determine whether Vukmer plans to hire an attorney or if he qualifies for court-ordered counsel. Nothing current to report. You may follow this link to view older Press Releases Read More #83, Discretion is a Two-Way Street April Why do we give some people a warning and others a ticket for speeding? If marijuana is illegal in North Carolina, why aren’t we arresting and charging someone in possession of a small amount for personal use? How do deputies decide? Law enforcement officers have discretion in most situations. For example: I recently pulled over a driver after she passed me going 110 miles per hour. When I approached her car, I saw the passenger writhing in pain. While I knew the driver had broken the law, I now understood why. I escorted her to the hospital rather than sending her to traffic court. Our general policy is to seize and destroy small amounts of marijuana but not to charge the person with a crime. Although people legally use marijuana recreationally in many states, in North Carolina, possession of a small amount of the drug is a Class 3 misdemeanor and typically results in a fine with no jail time. Taking someone to the magistrate’s office for that offense is a significant drain on a deputy’s time. It is more important for us to remain on patrol, responding to true public safety emergencies. Other jurisdictions in North Carolina make different choices and will arrest for any amount of marijuana. Communities set their own priorities. We choose to focus on drug traffickers moving large quantities of illegal substances—not those who might smoke a joint now and then. There are also times when the law removes discretion. Under N.C.G.S. §50B-2, if a deputy has probable cause to believe someone has violated a protective order, he or she SHALL make a warrantless arrest. Shall is a powerful word. Where most laws give deputies authority, not a mandate to act, this one requires a specific action—even if the officer believes another course might be more appropriate. In these cases, the statute also limits the magistrate’s discretion to set the conditions of pretrial release. The alleged offender must be held in the detention center for a 48-hour cooling-off period. Deputies also have no discretion when it comes to the duty to intervene. The Criminal Justice Reform bill, passed in September 2021, addresses the “blue wall of silence.” If a law enforcement officer witnesses a colleague committing what the observing person believes to be an unlawful act, such as the use of excessive force, he or she MUST step in or speak up. Additionally, the law requires the observing officer to report the incident to a superior within 72 hours. Courts have made clear that an officer’s use of discretion must be judged based on the facts and circumstances as they appeared at the time—not what is later learned. Expecting an officer to distinguish a real gun from a toy weapon while standing 50 yards away is not reasonable. Expecting officers on scene to intervene when a fellow officer keeps a knee on a man’s neck for nine minutes is. Likewise, civilians should avoid inserting facts known to them or later discovered into their evaluation of a use-of-force incident. Regardless of whether the officer knew the person was a church deacon, a single father, or a cancer patient, such details have no bearing on whether the officer’s actions were appropriate. Citizens exercise discretion as well. My cell phone number hangs on the wall in the public lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. I put it there because I trust people to know the difference between calling me in the middle of the night for an urgent matter and waking me up seeking a restaurant recommendation. Civilians also exercise discretion when the decide to call law enforcement. Not every unfamiliar situation is a threat, and not every person who “looks out of place” is doing something wrong. Perception is shaped by experience—and sometimes by bias. Calls based on misinterpretation can divert deputies from true emergencies and create unnecessary encounters that escalate tensions rather than resolve them. People should report legitimate concerns promptly, but we all share a responsibility to pause, assess, and ensure that what we are seeing is truly a law enforcement matter before dialing 911. The law does not account for every human circumstance, so we ask deputies to consider situations with judgment, context, and humanity. We deal with people—not just violations on paper. When deputies exercise discretion wisely, and when people extend it thoughtfully in return, trust grows, deputies are more effective, and our communities become safer. Read More Friday, May 22, 2026 Crime Nothing to Report Fraud Nothing to Report Scam Nothing to Report PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER publicinfolive Who We Are About OCSO The Orange County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to upholding the law and serving the community with integrity and professionalism. Our team is comprised of highly trained deputies and staff who are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. 1752 45k+ 150+ 100+ Dedicated Staff Charles S Blackwood Sheriff Year of Establishment Annual Calls Handled Community Partnerships

Public Information page providing important details for the Orange County community. Public Information News & Communications Stay Informed! Access the latest news and insights from your Sheriff's Office through our various communication channels. Press Releases Breaking news and important updates are posted on our homepage and archived here. While current releases appear on the main page for 3-5 business days, you can find all past releases in our archive. Read more by clicking the Press Releases button below. The Lowdown with Sheriff Blackwood Each month, Sheriff Blackwood shares his insights and perspectives in "The Lowdown," a column published in the News of Orange. These articles go beyond the headlines to explore: Behind-the-scenes operations of your Sheriff's Office Local impact of national issues Community initiatives and programs Law enforcement insights and education Read the latest edition or explore past columns in the archive by clicking The Lowdown button below. The Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer (P.I.O.) is A. Stemper. Contact: (919) 245-2963 or astemper@orangecountync.gov . Live Stream PRESS RELEASES READ MORE THE LOWDOWN READ MORE PHOTOS & VIDEOS READ MORE CITIZENS ACADEMY READ MORE EMERGENCY WEATHER READ MORE Firearm Ordinance Noise Ordinance Other County Ordinances Public Sale/Auction Auction and Ordinances An update on reported crimes, fraud, and scams is linked on our main page every standard business day. You may also find a long-term archive of current and past events below. Daily Crime, Fraud, and Scam Reports Daily Crime Report Crime Locations on MAP NIMBUS As a reminder, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office DOES NOT call citizens and solicit money to avoid being arrested. We are being notified of fraudulent calls where individuals are claiming to be deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, requesting money to avoid arrest or civil penalties. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office is seeing a reoccurrence of scams where the scammer is sending individuals checks with a victim's cash, telling you to keep a part of it, and send the scammer the remaining funds. Please be cautions on social media platforms with individuals sending checks and asking for money to be sent back to them. May 22, 2026 Crime Nothing to Report Fraud Nothing to Report Scam Nothing to Report May 21, 2026 Crime Nothing to Report Fraud Nothing to Report Scam Nothing to Report May 19, 2026 Crime Burglarly A burglarly was reported in the area of Lancaster Rd, Mebane. The suspects stole multiple items from inside the structure as well as a nearby motorized vehicle. Investigation ongoing. Fraud Nothing to Report Scam Nothing to Report Load More

Learn more about Detainee Demographics at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Detainee Demographic Information T he Orange County Sheriff's Office maintains the information and data contained on this page . If you have questions or comments, please contact the Sheriff's Office at (919) 245-2900 or websheriff@orangecountync.gov . LOADING... Please be patient Download PDF

Learn more about the Current Detainees in the Orange County Detention Center. Current Detainees The Orange County Sheriff's Office maintains the information and data contained on this page. If you have questions or comments, please contact the Sheriff's Office at (919) 245-2900 or websheriff@orangecountync.gov . LOADING... Please Wait Download PDF

Orange County Sheriff's Office booking photos. CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION New Booking Photos T he Orange County Sheriff's Office maintains the information and data contained on this page . If you have questions or comments, please contact the Sheriff's Office at (919) 245-2900 or websheriff@orangecountync.gov . LOADING... Please Be Patient.

CCW Permits at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Permits A CCW is a permit to carry a concealed weapon. You must apply for a new or renewal CCW permit in the county where you reside. You may apply for a CCW after you receive a certificate of completion from a NC Firearms safety class. See below for more information about the process. Secure your firearm(s) in a safe, locked place for storage! We offer free gun locks in our lobby for your convenience. FINGERPRINTING 1. Apply online by CLICKING HERE 2. Schedule your appointment 3. Visit our office with: Valid government-issued photo ID Completed paperwork Payment - cash, debit, or credit card. Appointments are available: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - noon and 2:00 - 4:00 PM Wednesday evenings: 4:00 - 5:00 PM We s trongly recommend scheduling an appointment to minimize your wait time! During your visit we will: Take your fingerprints Review your documentation Notarize your forms Charge $90.00 + fees for a new CCW MOVING If Orange County issued your CCW, you must come into our Office to change your address when you move within Orange County OR move away from Orange County. You must have a valid photo ID with the new address. If you are moving to Orange County , you must go to the Office that issued your CCW, notify them you are moving, and change your address with them. If you are moving here from another state or if you are relocating to another state, you can find more information about the laws of reciprocity by reading the Updated Concealed Handgun Permits information available by CLICKING HERE . RENEWALS If you hold a CCW permit in Orange County, you should receive a letter in the mail from the Sheriff's Office before the end of your permit term informing you of the upcoming expiration. You can apply for a renewal online during 90 days prior to the permit's expiration date . For a renewal application, the fee is $80.00 + processing fees. Start the renewal process of your CCW by CLICKING HERE . EXPIRED CCW PERMITS If your CCW permit expires, you have a grace period of 60 days to renew it. If you are renewing during the grace period, the fee is $90.00, and you must be fingerprinted again. If you fail to renew it within the above time frame, you must begin the process to obtain a CCW again, as if it were an initial application. Start by re-taking a NC firearms safety class. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? The Sheriff and his staff are required to follow strict state guidelines when performing the necessary background checks for Concealed Handgun Permits. The required due diligence period takes time and is very detailed. Once an applicant submits paperwork and fingerprints, it generally takes 90 - 120 days before your permit is approved. When it is complete, we will call you to come pick it up. LAW ENFORCEMENT Daily_Booking.pdf

Learn about the Orange County Sheriff's Office of North Carolina. CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION About Us Meet the Sheriff Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood Hello, I’m Sheriff Charles Blackwood. Welcome to the Orange County Sheriff's Office! As your Sheriff, I'm proud to serve the vibrant communities in Orange County. Since taking office, my vision has been simple: to build an Office serving all residents with dignity, respect, and the highest standards of professional law enforcement. Our team at the Sheriff's Office isn't just a group of deputies and staff – we're your neighbors, community members, and dedicated public servants. We believe in being responsive to your needs, accountable for our actions, and fair in our treatment of every person we serve. Whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting, you can expect the same level of professional service and respect from every member of our team. This website is your gateway to our services, and we're constantly working to make it more useful for you. Have a suggestion for how we can serve you better? Please let us know; we welcome your feedback. Thank you for the trust you've placed in me and our Office. Together, we're building a safer Orange County for all. Charles S Blackwood Sheriff Charles Blackwood Phone: (919) 245-2900 Email: csblackwood@orangecountync.gov Our Mission + Vision Mission: The mission of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is to be responsive to the needs of all members of our community as well as to those who visit or travel through our great county, without regard to the individual differences that make us unique. We put fear and bias aside and treat all citizens with the respect and courtesy they deserve. Following “True North” principles, we will remain the cornerstone of Orange County by realigning ourselves with the specific needs of those we serve. Vision: Our vision for the community’s future is citizens of all ages are secure and able to move freely about as they live, work, raise their families, and age in place with dignity and support. Command Staff Learn More Click the button above to meet the Orange County Sheriff's Office Command Staff. History Learn More Click the button above to learn about the history of the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Past Sheriffs Learn More Click the button above to discover past Sheriffs of Orange County. In Memoriam Learn More Click the button above to learn more about a fallen Orange County deputy.

Contact the Orange County Sheriff's Office of North Carolina. Get in Touch Have Questions? Reach Out to Us Contact Us First name* Last name Email* Phone Write a message Submit Main Office Address: 106 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Detention Center Address: 1200 US 70 West, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Phone Numbers: Main Office: (919) 245-2900 Detention Center: (919) 245-2940 Fax: (919) 732-6403 Main Office Hours: Monday: 8am - 5pm Tuesday: 8am - 5pm Wednesday: 8am - 5pm Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday: 8am - 5pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed Quick Access to All Contact Forms SUBMIT A TIP Button COMMEND Button COMPLAIN Button CRISIS CONTACT Button JOSH'S HOPE Button LIFETRACK Button CLOSE PATROL HOUSE CHECKS Button SPECIAL EVENT Button OFF-DUTY DEPUTY Button FACILITY TOURS Button COMMUNITY WATCH Button CITIZENS' ACADEMY Button

Administration division at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Administration Administration Services is the heart of our operations. The Administration Services Division ensures the Sheriff's Office runs smoothly and efficiently, supporting our deputies and staff in serving our community. This division includes several specialized teams working behind the scenes: Communications & Logistics The Communications team maintains essential equipment that keeps our deputies connected and safe, including: Radio communications systems Body-worn cameras Emergency response technology The Logistics team equips our personnel with everything they need to serve effectively, from uniforms and vehicles to specialized equipment. Records Management The Records team maintains the integrity and accessibility of important law enforcement documents, including: Incident and arrest reports Warrants and criminal history checks Concealed Carry permits Court documentation Juvenile records Detention Center files You may request public records by sending us an email at: websheriff@orangecountync.gov or giving us a call at (919) 245-2900. For any other County public records request, CLICK HERE . Information Technology Our IT team powers the digital infrastructure modern law enforcement depends on every day. They manage: Desktop and mobile computing systems In-car and body-worn camera systems Specialized law enforcement software Custom solutions for unique departmental needs Technical support for all staff members The Sheriff's Office website and mobile app major nate fearrington Major Nate Fearrington (pictured to the left) leads the Administration Services Division. Contact him with any questions: Email: nfearrington@orangecountync.gov Phone: (919) 245-2919 Sergeant Rodney Brown Lieutenant Brian Sykes manages day-to-day Administration Services. Contact him with any questions: Email: rbrown@orangecountync.gov Phone: (919) 245-2912

Professional Standards division at the Orange Country Sheriff's Office. Professional Standards Professional Training & Development Excellence The Training Division ensures our deputies and detention officers maintain the highest standards of law enforcement proficiency through comprehensive, ongoing education, and specialized training programs. Core Training Programs: State mandated annual certification maintenance NC professional certificate/service awards Annual specialized firearms and taser instruction and qualification Career development opportunities Field Training Program oversight Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Commitment to Excellence In 2021, the Orange County Sheriff's Office was selected as one of seven agencies in North Carolina to pilot the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (NCLEA) program. This initiative requires: Compliance with 115 professional standards External assessment of safety protocols Review of operational policies Evaluation of training programs Verification of best practices The accreditation process culminates in an on-site assessment. If successful the agency is granted accreditation. The agency has to re-certify periodically, ensuring continuing compliance. major nate fearrington Major Nate Fearrington (pictured to the left) leads the Professional Standards Division. Contact him with any questions: Email: nfearrington@orangecountync.gov Phone: (919) 245-2919 lieutenant kim walker Lieutenant Kim Walker manages day-to-day Professional Standards Services. Contact her with any questions: Email: kiwalker@orangecountync.gov Phone: (919) 245-2913

School Resources offered by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. School Resource Officers Our School Resources Officers protect and enhance positive learning environments. Since 1993, our School Resource Officers (SROs) have been important members of the Orange County Schools community. These specially trained deputies serve in every school across the Orange County School System, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and students in our community. Our SROs serve as: Trusted mentors and counselors School safety and security Educational resources D.A.R.E. program instructors Community liaisons Where You'll Find Us We maintain a presence in: 7 elementary schools: (Central Elementary , Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary , Grady A. Brown Elementary , Hillsborough Elementary , New Hope Elementary , Pathways Elementary , and River Park Elementary ) 3 middle schools: (A. L. Stanback Middle , Gravelly Hill Middle , and Orange Middle ) 2 high schools: (Cedar Ridge High and Orange High ) 1 charter school: (Eno River Academy ) 1 public school of choice: (Partnership Academy ) More Than Security Our SROs are carefully selected and specially trained law enforcement officers who do more than protect; they connect. Through classroom engagement, counseling, and community outreach, these deputies help create an environment where students can focus on learning and growing. Resources for Parents & Students Parent & Student Resources MENTAL HEALTH Mental Health resources for students of all ages: Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Freedom House Recovery Center Behavioral Health Clinic at Lincoln Carolina Outreach UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING The See Something, Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to get help for someone who may hurt themselves or others in our schools. RUNAWAYS If your child runs away from home: Contact law enforcement immediately to file a report. Think about where they may have gone and why they decided to run. Contact friends, family, the school, and neighbors to see if anyone has heard from the youth recently. CYBER SAFETY Online child sexual exploitation and abuse is a crime targeting the most vulnerable people in our community - our kids. It includes a broad range of criminal acts involving exploiting minors for sexual gratification or other personal or financial gain. Major Josh wood Major Josh Wood (pictured to the left) leads the School Resources Division. Contact him with any questions: Email: jwood@orangecountync.gov Phone: (919) 245-2927 Captain andrÉ richmond arichmond@orangecountync.gov

Learn about the Divisions of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, NC. Divisions The divisions of the Orange County Sheriff's Office serve all aspects of our community's needs. CHIEF TINA SYKES Chief Deputy Tina Sykes leads all Sheriff's Office Operations and Personnel. She is the second in command to Sheriff Blackwood and is a highly experienced law enforcement professional having worked in patrol, investigations, the schools, and more. Contact her with any questions: Email: trimmer@orangecountync.gov Phone: (919) 245-2924 Organizational Chart Click an image below to learn more about each division. orgchart PATROL SERVICES DETENTION SERVICES CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS K-9 UNIT S.R.T. SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT COMMUNITY OUTREACH CIVIL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COURTHOUSE OPERATIONS SCHOOL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION SERVICES