Mecklenburg County’s Detention Center North reopened in September, providing immediate relief for the overcrowded Detention Center Central. The facility, which once housed juveniles, was closed in 2022 because of staff shortages at the adult jail. County Sheriff Gary McFadden said the reopening was essential to protect staff, residents and the community as crime typically rises during the summer months.
Overcrowding at Detention Center Central
Detention Center Central, with a capacity of 1,791 inmates, has been operating well above that level for months. In June the jail held 2,080 inmates, forcing more than 300 people into overflow areas with “stack‑a‑bunks.” By August the population grew to 2,222, and over 80 inmates were waiting for transfer to state prison. The overflow situation prompted the sheriff’s office to seek a budget amendment from the Board of County Commissioners, which was approved on September 1.
Transfer to Jail North
On September 17 the first group of more than 200 inmates was moved from Central to the newly reopened Jail North. While the transfer reduced the number of inmates in overflow areas, 189 inmates—72 of them awaiting state‑prison placement—still remain at Central. Sheriff McFadden praised the staff at Jail North for their “compassion and professionalism” and urged county leaders to provide additional resources to continue easing the crowding problem.
Federal Inmates Bring Tax Dollars Back
Mecklenburg County has not housed federal inmates since 2023. After a February outreach from the federal government, the county signed a contract to receive federal inmates again. Approximately 66 federal detainees are expected to be transferred to Jail North, generating per‑diem payments that flow directly to the county. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson noted that the arrangement saves money on transportation and marshal costs, describing it as “good for the taxpayer.”
Juvenile Wing Still on Hold
The juvenile wing of Jail North remains closed. Reopening it would cost about $13 million, a sum the state has not yet allocated. Advocacy groups continue to press for the return of local youth, noting that 67 children from Mecklenburg County are currently awaiting court action, with an average daily population of 57 over the past year. Frank Crawford, advocacy director for the Children’s Alliance, argued that keeping youth in their home county improves outcomes and reduces future costs to adult mental‑health and prison systems.
Next Steps
Sheriff McFadden said the department’s priority is to maintain staffing levels, secure additional funding, and continue transferring inmates from Central to North as resources allow. He called on county officials with decision‑making authority to assist, emphasizing that the burden of overcrowding should not fall solely on detention‑facility staff and the residents they serve.
The county will monitor inmate populations and funding opportunities, with the hope that future budget approvals will enable the juvenile wing’s reopening and further reduce the strain on Mecklenburg’s correctional system.
Original reporting: Carolina Public Press — read the source article.
