Reopening of Detention Center North Sparks Urgent Need for More Detention Officers

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to face a severe overcrowding crisis at Detention Center Central, where the resident population has surged to 2,085, despite the facility being built to house 1,791 residents. The growing numbers are placing major strain on daily operations, medical services, and housing conditions, with more than 1,000 residents currently requiring medication. The impacts of House Bill 307 have led to longer wait times for residents trying to contact their families. Limited space and lack of privacy are affecting both staff and residents. The backlog within the justice system is also contributing to the issue, with at least 10 individuals charged with low-level offenses reportedly waiting as long as six years for their cases to go to trial. In addition, nearly 60 residents remain housed at the jail awaiting transfer to state prison facilities. In response, Sheriff McFadden is reopening Detention Center North to help relieve capacity issues at Central while also emphasizing the urgent need to hire more detention officers by increasing salaries to $68,000 and offering a $7,500 sign-on bonus. If interested, apply here - bit.ly/4uYEL3B