IFN Staff
Crime has dropped by 56.7 percent in Iredell County since 2014, according to a crime analysis report prepared by the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office released a summary of the data in a news release on Wednesday, describing Iredell as “one of the safest fast-growing counties in the state.” The population of Iredell County has surged by 24.4 percent in the past 11 years.
Since 2014, property crime has dropped by 63 percent, and deputies have achieved a 94 percent case clearance rate, while answering more than 1.4 million calls for service. In that same time, the Sheriff’s Office has seized more than $51 million in illegal drugs, along with nearly $4 million in drug dealers’ money.
“Our county may be growing at record speed, but our promise to protect it is stronger than ever,” Sheriff Darren Campbell said. “These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent safer neighborhoods, fewer victims, and a community standing united with its Sheriff’s Office.”
These results — which do not include crimes reported in Troutman, Mooresville and Statesville — have been achieved with only one deputy per 1,000 residents, far below the FBI’s national county average of 2.8.
Campbell attributed the dramatic decline in crime to a clear vision and relentless focus on results. Since he took office, the sheriff’s message has been consistent: Iredell County will not be a profitable place for career criminals.
Behind this vision have been three strategies: concentrating on repeat offenders; ensuring deputies maintain a visible presence in the community; and prioritizing proactive responses to suspected criminal activity.
Campbell emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office’s success is rooted in meeting the community’s desires.
“The people of Iredell County want safety, trust, and partnership,” he explained. “Our responsibility is not only to enforce the law, but also to strengthen the bond between citizens and their Sheriff’s Office.”
The Sheriff’s Office has expanded outreach and education initiatives designed to involve residents directly in public safety. Programs such as the Citizens Academy, Teen Academy, Youth Athletic League, and Church Shield give citizens opportunities to engage with law enforcement in meaningful ways. Free classes in scam prevention, self-defense, and active-shooter response empower residents with knowledge and confidence, while real-time updates through the Sheriff’s Office app and social media keep the community informed and connected.
Meanwhile, during Campbell’s tenure, the Sheriff’s Office has invested seized criminal assets into public safety. These funds have purchased drones for search and rescue operations, K9 units, ballistic shields, protective gear, a Lake Patrol boat for Lake Norman, the BearCat armored vehicle, Project Lifesaver technology, an upgraded training simulator, and a Youth Education trailer.
