Iredell County is growing at rapid speed, but crime is dropping even faster. Since 2014, the county’s population has increased 24.4% to nearly 210,000 residents. Despite this rapid growth, overall crime has plummeted by 56.7%, according to the crime analysis report prepared by the NC State Bureau of Investigation, making Iredell one of the safest fast-growing counties in the state.
Sheriff Darren Campbell credits this success to a clear vision and relentless focus on results. From the beginning his message has been consistent, Iredell County will not be a profitable place for career criminals. By concentrating on repeat offenders, ensuring deputies maintain a visible presence, and prioritizing proactive strategies over reactive responses, the Sheriff’s Office has delivered outcomes that speak for themselves. Since 2014, crime has fallen by more than half, property crime has dropped by 63%, and deputies have achieved an impressive 94% case clearance rate, despite answering more than 1.4 million calls for service. In that same time, more than $51 million in illegal drugs have been seized, along with nearly $4 million in drug dealer’s money.
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Sheriff Campbell emphasizes that 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.”
To reflect these values, 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. This partnership ensures that law enforcement and residents work side by side in building safer neighborhoods.
Another hallmark of Sheriff Campbell’s leadership has been his innovative approach to reinvesting seized criminal assets back into public safety. These funds have purchased advanced tools and resources such as 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 used in schools and community events.
Remarkably, these results have been achieved with only one deputy per 1,000 residents, far below the FBI’s national county average of 2.8. Sheriff Campbell notes that efficiency, dedication, and accountability have made the difference. “Our county may be growing at record speed, but our promise to protect it is stronger than ever,” Campbell said. “These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent safer neighborhoods, fewer victims, and a community standing united with its Sheriff’s Office.”
The bottom line is clear, Iredell County isn’t just growing, it’s thriving.
