Your Commissioner Elaine M.
O誰eal
A native of Durham, North Carolina, Elaine O誰eal graduated
(Cum Laude) from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), receiving a Bachelor
of Science degree in Mathematics in 1984, and a Juris Doctorate degree in 1991.
Elaine became a judge in 1994, and presently serves as Chief District Court
Judge for the 14th Judicial District of Durham County.
Of special interests to Judge O誰eal are families and young
people. In 1995, she and the County Commissioner began the Durham County
Juvenile Task Force. Its mission was to identify and address the needs of
Durham youth. As a result, Durham County痴 first group home for delinquent
youth was opened in 1997. That same year, the Durham County Juvenile Task Force
merged with the Durham County Youth Services Advisory Board (now called Juvenile
Crime Prevention Council) of which Judge O誰eal continues to be a member.
To further her commitment to families in need, Judge O誰eal
is a member of the Board of Directors of Families First. This organization is a
collaborative effort between the Department of Social Services and the Faith
Community of Durham to assist families in need.
Beside numerous personal achievements and civic awards,
Judge O誰eal has twice appeared on The Montel Williams Show as a guest, and is
currently the hostess of her own cablevision show And Justice for All.
She is an active member of the First Calvary Baptist Church where she sings in
the choir. Elaine is the mother of nine-year-old Koren and still finds time to
be very active in community organizations.
Elaine became a CALEA Commissioner in 1996 because of her
interest in law enforcement agencies, particularly in the differences in how
they operate. Her hobbies include reading and playing the piano. She currently
serves on the SRIC and Agency Review Committee C.
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