Mecklenburg Sheriff Expands Traffic Unit With Crash Investigation Capabilities
Seven deputies earned state certification, giving them the ability to investigate crashes.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office has grown its traffic enforcement unit. Seven deputies earned state certification, giving them the ability to investigate crashes. The unit began using the Traffic Records and Crash System on Jan. 2. Deputies can now finish crash investigations and reports right at the scene.
The traffic unit was first created on Oct. 16, 2024. Deputies made more than 3,500 traffic stops in 2025, which led to 31 arrests, according to a news release. Some arrests resulted in drug charges and firearm seizures.
Seven deputies got trained in August on crash investigation methods and became certified to use the state's Traffic Records and Crash System, a North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles application that records crash data. State troopers led the week-long training program. It had classroom instruction and field exercises that covered scene marking and distance-measuring tools in simulated crash environments.
As of Friday, Feb. 6, the unit has finished five crash investigations. The system lets personnel finish reports at the scene instead of depending on outside agencies.
Sheriff Garry McFadden said the unit will cut response times. It will also reduce dependence on the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department when traffic incidents happen.
"Our deputies already respond to traffic incidents daily, but this specialized unit will ensure we have trained, equipped personnel dedicated to keeping our roadways safer, responding faster when crashes occur, and supporting crime-reduction efforts," McFadden said in the release.
"Creating a dedicated traffic unit allows us to better serve our community and our law enforcement partners," said McFadden, according to Queen City News. "I anticipate the MCSO traffic team will continue to grow as this initiative evolves."
McFadden will make a public announcement about the Traffic Unit's launch during a press event on Friday, Feb. 13. Representatives from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol will attend.
