Ricky Ricardo Robbins

The Election Hub Questionnaire

 Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, and where you live in NC now).

·  Age: 64

·  Education: Graduated from the University of Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Criminal Justice.

·  I currently reside in Mint Hill, NC

Why are you running for this role, and why should voters pick you over your competitors? Please tell us about any previous experience in elected office that you have.

I am running for Mecklenburg County Sheriff because our community and the people in our custody deserve experienced and accountable leadership rooted in integrity. After more than 40 years in public safety in Mecklenburg County, I am stepping forward because I know what this job requires and what happens when leadership fails.

Voters should choose me because I bring proven, real-world experience—not politics. I have served as an officer, supervisor, and instructor, leading critical units and training officers in de-escalation, professionalism, and public safety. Additionally, I am the only candidate who has cared for all of Mecklenburg, which includes the City of Charlotte and all six towns. I understand how decisions at the top impact safety, morale, and outcomes on the ground. I am not running for a title or fame—I am running because lives are at stake.

While I have not previously held elected office, I have spent decades managing people, policies, and high-risk situations within complex public systems. I have never been terminated or disciplined for ethical violations, and my career reflects integrity, consistency, and respect for both the badge and the community.

As Sheriff, my focus will be clear: a jail sentence should never be a death sentence. I will prioritize jail safety, staff support, access to mental health and medical care, and rebuilding trust through transparency and accountability.

Tell us about 1-2 professional accomplishments that gives voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.

One professional accomplishment that reflects my leadership style is founding the Homicide Support Group in Mecklenburg County. I recognized the need to support families, officers, and investigators affected by violent loss and helped build a program that centered compassion, accountability, and follow-through during the most difficult moments. It required trust-building, coordination across units, and steady leadership under pressure.

Another accomplishment is my decades-long role supervising and training officers in critical areas such as homicide support, SWAT, officer-involved shootings, and de-escalation. Leading in these high-risk environments shaped my leadership approach: calm, prepared, people-centered, and accountable. I believe strong leadership means investing in people, setting clear expectations, and ensuring professionalism at every level.

What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received?

Please note that endorsements have just started to come in. I am proud to have received the endorsement of the Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council. This endorsement is especially meaningful because it reflects my long-standing commitment to improving staffing levels, workplace safety, and working conditions within the Sheriff’s Office.

For too long, understaffing has placed both employees and the public at risk. The support of the Labor Council affirms that workers recognize my focus on rebuilding morale, retaining experienced staff, and ensuring that deputies and detention officers have the resources, training, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Strong staffing is not just a labor issue—it is a public safety issue, and this endorsement reinforces the trust that working families and frontline employees have in my leadership.

How long have you lived in the region you are looking to represent in office?

I have been a resident of Mecklenburg County my whole life.

Please tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested in knowing.

For more than 31 years, I have proudly served in the Security Division for the Carolina Panthers. In this role, I have helped ensure the safety of players, staff, and tens of thousands of fans during high-profile events, often in fast-moving and high-pressure environments. This experience strengthened my ability to coordinate with multiple agencies, manage large-scale operations, and make calm, decisive judgments where public safety and accountability are paramount.

That long-term service reflects the trust placed in me and reinforces my commitment to professionalism, preparedness, and community safety—skills I will bring to the role of Mecklenburg County Sheriff.