Podcast From The Pods

Sheriff Garry McFadden
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Podcast From The Pods is a compelling new series hosted by Sheriff Garry McFadden with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. The podcast offers an unfiltered look inside the Detention Center and delves into the daily realities of incarceration, highlighting transformative initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and community reintegration. Listeners will gain insight into innovative reform efforts, family connectivity, resident perspectives, community engagement and much more. Tune in and learn more about the complexities of the criminal justice system.

  1. Jul 10

    Couch Conversations: What a Sheriff Really Does, the Job You Don't Always See

    Welcome to Couch Conversations! CC is a new, special series from Podcast From the Pods, where Sheriff McFadden steps away from the studio for a candid discussion about the issues shaping Mecklenburg County. In this first installment above, he explores the importance of having honest, genuine conversations about the role of a sheriff, offering insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and realities the Sheriff’s Office faces every day. The goal is to foster greater understanding, transparency, and dialogue between law enforcement and the community.

    Couch Conversations: What a Sheriff Really Does, the Job You Don't Always See

  2. Jun 25

    Behind the Numbers, It's More Than a Jail Issue

    In this episode, Sheriff McFadden takes listeners inside the growing overcrowding crisis at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, where the population has reached more than 2,113 residents. The Sheriff explains what life looks like inside an overcrowded jail, where residents awaiting trial - not yet convicted of a crime - are competing for limited resources, including phones, showers, medical care, and living space. In some housing units, 84 residents share just six phones and 12 showers. While stack-a-bunk bedding systems have replaced floor sleeping, space remains extremely limited. The episode also highlights the enormous medical demands facing the detention center. More than 1,000 residents require medication, with many arriving with untreated medical conditions, substance abuse disorders, behavioral health needs, and mental health challenges. Medical staff conduct approximately 100 medical visits every day, while medication is distributed to more than 1,000 residents multiple times daily. Sheriff McFadden emphasizes that the Sheriff’s Office does not control who enters or leaves the jail and calls on the community to help address the issue before individuals become justice-involved. He encourages churches, businesses, advocacy groups, families, and community organizations to spread awareness and help people avoid decisions that could land them behind bars. The conversation also expands beyond the jail walls, connecting overcrowding to larger community challenges, such as housing affordability and economic instability. The Sheriff discusses the reality that deputies recently evicted 89 families the Monday after Father’s Day and the difficult choices many struggling families face. He argues that preventing incarceration requires investing in pathways to stability, including housing, employment opportunities, and community support.

  3. Jun 3

    From COVID to Overcrowding: A Detention Officer’s Perspective

    In the latest installment of the "Podcast from the Pods" series, Sheriff McFadden sits down with Detention Officer York to discuss the realities of working inside the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. Officer York, who works closely with residents' families and their concerns, shares her perspective on the detention center's current challenges, particularly the ongoing overcrowding crisis. During their conversation, the two reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the last major hardships the facility faced, and compare it to the pressures staff and residents are experiencing today. For Officer York, maintaining a positive environment starts with encouraging and supporting one another, noting that staff attitudes often influence the energy and behavior of those in custody. For Sheriff McFadden, the discussion provided valuable insight into the daily challenges detention staff face and offered a deeper understanding of how overcrowding impacts both employees and residents.

  4. May 28

    MCSO Needs More Detention Officers, Here's Why

    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.

  5. May 20

    The Reality of Overcrowding, a Resident's Perspective

    In the Sheriff's latest "Podcast From The Pods" episode - the Sheriff sits inside Pod 1700 for a candid conversation with a resident about life inside the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. The discussion highlights how conditions have changed over the years as overcrowding continues to impact daily operations, resources, and living conditions for residents. The resident shares concerns about hygiene access, the chaos that can come with overcrowded housing units, and the challenges many face after incarceration with limited community support. The episode also focuses on the importance of reentry programs, job opportunities, and giving residents the tools and resources needed to successfully return to society.

  6. Apr 15

    New Energy, New Era: Sheriff McFadden's Vision In Motion

    In this episode, Sheriff Garry McFadden shares his excitement about partnering with newly appointed Chief Deputy Ricky Robbins as they look toward the future of the agency. He discusses a continued forward-focused vision that includes the Sheriff's reentry home, addressing concerns around jail deaths, success surrounding the Post-Release Resource Center, and continuing to prioritize mental health initiatives inside the detention center.The Sheriff also emphasizes that meaningful change is ahead, with a commitment to improving the overall agency, supporting individuals in custody, and enhancing public safety. He closes by expressing optimism about the road ahead and invites listeners to follow along as the agency evolves and grows.

  7. Apr 2

    Out With The Old, In With The New: Sheriff McFadden Welcomes Chief Deputy Ricky Robbins

    In this episode, Sheriff McFadden introduces the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office’s new Chief Deputy, Ricky Robbins. The two sit down for an engaging conversation about Robbins’ transition into the role, his vision for the agency, and the goals he hopes to accomplish moving forward. The episode also highlights the strong rapport between the two leaders, featuring lighthearted moments and personal stories that give listeners a deeper look at their partnership both on and off the job.

  8. Mar 24

    Packed Cells & Real Talk: Inside The Detention Center

    Sheriff McFadden’s latest podcast episode takes a look at the current state of the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, highlighting the growing challenge of overcrowding and what it means for staff, residents, and the community. In this episode, he also announces an exciting shift for the podcast, which will now be recorded in various locations. Most importantly, the conversation aims to provide transparency and deeper understanding of daily operations inside the detention center, especially in the wake of House Bill 307, helping the public stay informed about the policies and realities shaping the facility today.

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About

Podcast From The Pods is a compelling new series hosted by Sheriff Garry McFadden with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. The podcast offers an unfiltered look inside the Detention Center and delves into the daily realities of incarceration, highlighting transformative initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and community reintegration. Listeners will gain insight into innovative reform efforts, family connectivity, resident perspectives, community engagement and much more. Tune in and learn more about the complexities of the criminal justice system.

Information

  • Creator
    Sheriff Garry McFadden
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sheriff Garry McFadden
  • Show Website
    Podcast From The Pods