Chief Kerr Putney Addresses CRB Recommendations in Keith Scott Case

CHARLOTTE, NC — CMPD prepares to make changes after the Keith Scott shooting that shook Charlotte with protests and deadly riots. For the first time, we’re getting a glimpse of the recommendations the Citizens Review Board gave to the Chief of Police after hearing evidence in the Scott case.

The attorney for Keith Scott’s family says the public deserves to see more of the changes the Citizens Review Board wants CMPD to make. It was a police shooting that became a turning point in Charlotte’s history, and Friday night, CMPD released three specific recommendations the Citizens Review Board gave after seeing what led Officer Brentley Vinson to kill Keith Scott.

“I think there is more of the CRB report that doesn’t deal with specific personnel matters that could be released to the public,” said Scott family attorney Charles Monnett.

Monnett can’t say what Chief Kerr Putney left out because CRB hearings are confidential. But CMPD did say the board wants officers to train to use time and distance to stabilize a situation.

“That’s what we’re getting to,” said Putney. “Your next step, tactical retreat, get cover and try to verbally gain compliance if you can do so safely.”

CMPD says it will also follow the board’s recommendation to study new scenarios that could get a person out of a vehicle with less lethal options.

“Make no mistake, in an armed encounter where the subject is non-compliant, until we can resolve the immediate threat that that gun poses, all de-escalation tactics become irrelevant,” said Putney.

The board also questions CMPD’s policy that allows an officer to kill a person who refuses to drop a gun, even if the gun is not pointed at the officer. CMPD agrees to a scientific reaction time study to confirm the suspect can fire a shot before the officer has time to react.

“We need to validate that scientifically. Our community deserves no less,” said Putney.

While the Chief says it’s impossible to know if the changes would have saved a life, Monnett disagrees.

“This situation could have been avoided with proper de-escalation techniques and everybody could have come away safe and alive,” said Monnett.

The city has a new response to the Keith Scott shooting. It created the One Year Later website, where people can share stories about their experiences and how to move forward. You can take part by clicking here.