Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO) is an internationally accredited law enforcement agency proudly serving the citizens of Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. Their mission is to ensure public safety through excellence in law enforcement and detention services, building community partnerships, and maintaining public trust.
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Services:
- Law Enforcement: MSCO patrol officers uphold the law to protect life, property, and constitutional rights. They enforce county and state laws, respond to calls for service, and work closely with the community to prevent crime.
- Detention Services: MSCO operates two detention centers that house individuals arrested for criminal offenses. These centers provide safe and secure housing facilities and offer programs and services that support rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
- Community Policing: MSCO believes in partnership with the community to address local concerns, prevent crime, and promote a sense of safety. They implement various community policing initiatives, including neighborhood watch programs, school resource officer programs, and crime prevention partnerships.
- Victim Services: MSCO offers comprehensive services and support to victims of crimes. Their team of victim advocates provides guidance, emotional support, and resources throughout the criminal justice process.
Leadership:
- Sheriff Garry McFadden: As the elected Sheriff of Mecklenburg County, Mr. McFadden oversees all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office. He has dedicated his career to public safety and has implemented various programs to improve community engagement, enhance transparency, and address emerging law enforcement challenges.
- Chief Deputy Cheryl Dennis: Chief Deputy Dennis is the second-in-command at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. She played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s strategic direction and ensuring the effective implementation of its programs and services.
Units and Divisions:
MSCO consists of several specialized units and divisions that work together to address diverse aspects of law enforcement and detention services:
- Administrative Services Division: Manages human resources, information technology, procurement, and budget activities.
- Patrol Division: Maintains visible presence, responds to calls for service, conducts investigations, and enforces traffic laws.
- Special Operations Division: Encompasses various units, including SWAT, K9, and Aviation, that support law enforcement operations.
- Criminal Investigations Division: Investigates serious crimes, including homicides, robberies, and property crimes.
- Detention Services Division: Operates the two detention centers, provides secure housing, and offers various programs and services to inmates.
- Community Services Division: Focuses on crime prevention, community outreach, and engagement, and operates programs like school resource officers and neighborhood watch initiatives.
Accreditation:
MSCO has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), demonstrating its commitment to upholding ethical and professional standards in law enforcement.
Public Involvement:
- Citizen Advisory Board: The Sheriff’s Citizen Advisory Board fosters communication between the Sheriff’s Office and community members. The board provides input on various policing issues and policies and helps build trust and understanding between law enforcement and the community.
- Community Engagement Programs: MSCO actively engages with the community through various programs and initiatives, such as town halls, coffee with a cop, and youth outreach programs, to strengthen relationships and address concerns.
- Social Media: MSCO utilizes social media platforms to connect with the community, disseminate information, and respond to inquiries.
Reporting a Crime or Concern:
To report a crime, accident, or suspicious activity, you can contact the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office:
- 911: For emergencies
- (704) 336-2543: For non-emergencies
- Online Reporting: File a report online for specific non-emergency incidents.
Mecklenburg County Arrest Warrants Search
If you need to find out if there is an active warrant for your arrest or for someone else in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, you can use the following methods:
Online Warrant Search:
- Visit the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website.
- Click on the "Warrants" tab in the Sheriff's Office section.
- Select "Arrest Warrant Search."
- Enter the first and last name of the person you are searching for.
- If an active warrant exists, you will see a list of results that includes the warrant number, issuing agency, charge, date issued, and bond amount.
The online warrant search only displays active warrants. If you have an inactive or expired warrant, it will not appear in the results.
Additional Information:
- If you have an active warrant, you should contact an attorney immediately.
- If you are pulled over by the police and they discover an active warrant, you will be arrested.
- If you fail to appear in court for a scheduled hearing, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest.
- You can also contact the clerk of court in Mecklenburg County to inquire about an arrest warrant.
Mecklenburg County Child Support Warrants
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Warrants
Mecklenburg County Mugshots
Obtaining Mugshots:
Mugshots are publicly available records in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Members of the public can request and obtain mugshots through the following methods:
- Online:
- Visit the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website.
- Click on the "Inmate Search" link under the "Detention" tab.
- Enter the first and last name of the person whose mugshot you are searching for.
- If the person is currently in custody, their mugshot will be displayed in the search results.
- In Person:
You can also visit the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office in person to request a mugshot:
Address: 700 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
There may be a fee associated with obtaining mugshots.
Availability of Mugshots:
Mugshots are generally available to the public, but there are some exceptions:
- If the person is a juvenile, their mugshot may not be released.
- If the mugshot was taken in connection with a sealed or expunged case, it may not be released.
- If the release of the mugshot would interfere with an ongoing investigation or compromise the safety of the person depicted, it may not be released.
Bond Information
A bail bond is a sum of money or property pledged to the court to secure the release of a person from jail while awaiting trial. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the person will return to court for their scheduled hearings.
If a person is arrested and charged with a crime, they will typically be taken to jail. At their first court appearance, the judge will set a bail amount. If the person cannot afford to pay the full bail amount, they can contact a bail bondsman.
A bail bondsman is a person or company that posts bail for a defendant in exchange for a fee. The fee is typically a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10-15%.
If the defendant fails to appear in court as required, the bail bondsman will forfeit the bail money to the court.
Posting a Bond in Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office:
To post a bond in Mecklenburg County, you can:
- Contact a bail bondsman.
- Pay the full bail amount in cash at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
- Pay the full bail amount online through the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website.
Address: 700 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (704) 336-2543
Note: You may need to provide the following information when posting a bond:
- The defendant's name and date of birth
- The bail amount
- The charge(s) against the defendant
- The court where the case is being heard
Once the bond is posted, the defendant will be released from jail. They must appear in court for all scheduled hearings or risk forfeiting the bail.
Mecklenburg County Most Wanted
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office maintains a list of its most wanted fugitives. These are individuals who have outstanding felony warrants and are considered dangerous or a threat to the community.
To view the Mecklenburg County most wanted list:
- Visit the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website.
- Click on the "Most Wanted" link under the "Warrants" tab.
- You will see a list of the most wanted fugitives, including their names, photographs, charges, and any other relevant information.
If you have information about the whereabouts of any of the individuals on the most wanted list, you can contact the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
If you see a wanted person, do not approach them. Call 911 immediately.
Sex Offender Registry
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office provides a searchable online Sex Offender Registry. This registry contains information about registered sex offenders living in Mecklenburg County.
To search the Mecklenburg County Sex Offender Registry:
- Visit the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website.
- Click on the "Sex Offender Registry" link under the "Warrants" tab.
- Enter the first and last name of the person you are searching for, or their address.
- Click on the "Search" button.
The search results will show you a list of registered sex offenders that match your search criteria. You can click on the name of any offender to view their profile, which includes their photograph, address, charges, and other relevant information.
Mecklenburg County Sex Offender Registry
Location and Contact Details
- Address: 700 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
- Phone: (704) 336-2543
- Fax: (704) 336-6938
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.mecksheriff.com/