CMPD Seeking Help to Curb Violent Crime

CHARLOTTE, NC — Murders, assault and robbery. An increase in violent crime is stretching the resources of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police thin.

CMPD crime mapping shows more than 500 assaults, more than 100 robberies and seven homicides so far in 2017. Police are asking the community for help.

“A lot of violent crime,” says Officer John Frisk of CMPD’s Crime Prevention Unit. “A lot of shootings throughout the city. Detectives and officers are out there working day in, and day out.”

7 homicides in the first 12 days of the new year. Charlotte was on pace with Chicago.

But while homicides are up, Crimestoppers tips are down.

“We need somebody to make a phone call, flag down an officer or call Crimestoppers,” says Frisk. “Just let somebody know if you’ve seen something.”

The “see something, say something” mantra has been a key for community organizers in high crime areas like West Charlotte.

“From a neighborhood’s perspective, we feel that it’s very important that we take proactive approaches to crime prevention,” says Mattie Marshall.

Marshall recently received a Community Partner Award from CMPD for her work in the Washington Heights neighborhood. She says community policing is a two-way street.

“Public safety is part of CMPD’s mission, but it’s also the mission of our neighborhoods, our citizens,” says Marshall. “So we have to be engaged and involved.”

Gun crimes are a major issue. Especially with firearms in the hands of so many young people.

The latest shooting happened in Northwest Charlotte early Wednesday morning. A 15 year old high school student came running up the street to a group of kids waiting at the bus stop on Wildwood Avenue. He said he’d been shot in the leg. CMPD came out to investigate. In the end, they’re calling this a public accident.

CMPD continues to target gun crime and violent crime, trying to reduce the number of dangerous offenders on the street.

“If somebody pops up on our radar that, you know, might be involved in robberies, or drugs, or any type of violent crime, says Officer Frisk. “We’re going to continue to target those people, and try to get them off the street. To make the streets safer.”

Of the seven homicides this year, four of the cases are still open. CMPD is asking anyone with information in those cases to call CrimeCMPstoppers.