State auditor finds CATS spent $49M on security since 2022

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A new state audit shows cats spent $49 million dollars on security since 2022. The most recent contract is with Professional Police Services for $18 million dollars a year with space for 219 officers, but some riders don’t see the value.

“It’s just it’s not super safe. Especially with not them not checking the tickets,” Dee, Charlotte Resident said.

The state auditor took a closer look at security spending after Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death on the Blue Line on August 22nd. The report shows the PSS doesn’t have the staff to have one guard on all 48 trains in the system at one time.

“You still see the people that are not supposed to be in the train, people with mentally ill problems on the train still,” a rider who didn’t want to share his name said.

The audit shows CATS previously paid two security companies to patrol the system but canceled its contract with Strategic Security back in 2024 and doubled spending with PSS the following year without seeking other options for security. When CATS contracted with other companies there were up to 88 armed guards, with PSS there are 39 armed officers.

In a response to the 13 page audit, Mayor Vi Lyles defended the city’s procurement process and says PSS is qualified to do the job. She says the company even performed security for President Trump while on the campaign trail in NC. The mayor says PSS will continue to increase visibility by working with CMPD and adding officers on bikes and UTVs. PSS is not fully staffed with officers at this time. Riders hope to see more enforcement on trains and buses soon.

“No one’s checked a ticket of mine in two years. It’s definitely a lot of interesting characters on the train. Definitely a lot of harassment on the train, too,” Kevin Mauro, CATS Rider said.

In a statement to WCCB a CATS spokeman said in part, “CATS appreciates the strong partnership it has with PSS. Since taking on the role of sole contractor, PSS has acted swiftly and effectively, demonstrating a clear commitment to public safety and security. This new contract not only increases security personnel by over 100% from staffing levels with previous partners, but it also supports us in meeting the goal of significantly increasing the presence of security personnel throughout the transit system. As previously stated, it is unrealistic to place an officer on every transit vehicle as also publicly stated by other transit systems across the country, however by increasing our presence in combination with the additional 966 hours of CMPD off-duty patrols, CATS is working to meet the needs of our community.”

Mayor Vi Lyles and CATS CEO will host a press conference Friday morning to talk about new safety measures.