CMPD launches new safety initiatives to improve the area’s reputation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Police say feeling unsafe in uptown is “unacceptable” and they’re working to “immediately” shift Uptown’s reputation. Charlotte Mecklenburg Police are launching new initiatives to help people feel safer.

Data shows there were eight homicides in Central division which includes Uptown – over a 9 month period in 2025 which is a three year high. Some people say they avoid Uptown because they feel scared, especially at night.

“I want to be clear that this feeling is unacceptable. This is a focused, high impact effort to immediately shift the environment and perception of our center city,” Major Gene Lim from CMPD said.

CMPD has launched CROWN to make people feel safer. CROWN stands for: Center City’s restoration of order and wellness and nonviolence. Police will focus on crimes like aggressive panhandling and illegal street vending.

“We are focusing on quality of life crimes and ordinances that erode safety,” Major Lim said. “Minor infractions are gateways to major crime and they will be addressed by the CMPD with zero hesitation.”

CMPD has also launched an Entertainment District Police Unit to patrol problem areas in Uptown during nightlife hours.

“We owe our citizens and visitors a vibrant nightlife with as much safety measures as possible,” Major Lim said. “The EDU is a highly focused, specialized police unit dedicated entirely to making our nightlife safer for everyone. The EDU will operate during peak nightlife hours.”

CMPD says it’s been working with the Uptown business community and other stakeholders on the Center City Public Safety Task Force since early this year and Iryna Zarutska’s murder has increased the urgency.

“There’s no silver bullet here, so it’s going to take a lot of work,” David Longo, Chair of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance said. “The work was underway already. I would tell you that it certainly has continues to accelerate with the most recent incidents.”

CMPD plans to release the third quarter crime stats next week. They say the data will show some improvements in public safety.