CHARLOTTE, NC — Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden announced plans on Friday to restore in-person visits for people held in the Mecklenburg County jail. The jail will offer free in-person visits during the week of December 24, 2018 through December 31, 2018 as a temporary measure until the policy is fully put into effect.
βAllowing our residents to stay connected to family and loved ones through in-person visits improves public safety,β said Sheriff McFadden. βThis simple step alone has been shown to significantly lower the chances that a person will commit another crime after they get out. It also reduces the chance a person will commit an infraction inside the jail, which could adversely impact their release. In addition, it improves mental health outcomes and strengthens family units and community ties.β
Studies have shown that staying connected with family and loved ones through in-person visits improves public safety and outcomes. One study shows that in-person visits were found to decrease a personβs likelihood of committing a crime after release by up to 30%.
Free internet visits that normally cost $12.50 for 25 minutes will be provided free of charge on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Two free five (5) minute phone calls will also be allowed beginning today, December 21, 2018, through December 31, 2018.
