CMPD Sergeant running for Sheriff is endorsed by former police chief

CHARLOTTE, N.C – The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s race is heating up. Presumed incumbent Sheriff Garry McFadden now has another challenger in the Sheriff’s race.

Current Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Sergeant Ricky Robbins has announced his campaign for Mecklenburg County Sheriff as a Democrat. His campaign says he has a reputation as a leader who listens, leads with integrity and puts public safety first.

He hosted this campaign kick off Tuesday night at the Mint Museum Randolph. Robbins has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and his campaign says he is known for his “commitment to community policing, officer wellness and establishing ethical workplace culture.”

“We have to interact constantly make sure that the barrier is broken to where stereotype of [law enforcement] being against [the people] is not there and that we’re working with them to solve and go forward with all our problems,” Robbins said.

Robbins shared the stage alongside a lineup of so-called “special guests” including Panthers legend Luke Kuechly, Chuba Hubbard and Derek Brown. Former Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe was also on the guest list. He says he supports Robbins because of his track record with CMPD. We also asked Monroe about the current crime rate in the city.

“Policing can sometimes be seasonal,” Monroe said. “But I think at the core of it all, we have to make our connections within the community.”

Monroe retired in 2015. In his tenure, CMPD reported record low violence in the Queen City.

Monroe says community safety is a community effort.

“There’s only 2,000 officers policing a city of close to a million people,” Monroe said. ”You need the citizens to play a role, you need the citizens to be a part of it, to want to be a part of it.”

We also asked Monroe about who should replace retiring Chief Johnny Jennings. Monroe says City officials should think long and hard about Charlotte’s needs before making a choice. Jennings retires January 1st, 2026.

Former detention officer Antwain Nance has also announced his campaign for sheriff. Sheriff Garry McFadden did not immediately respond to requests for a statement on running for re-election.