CHARLOTTE, NC — Following the recent increase in violent crime throughout the city, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney has issued a statement on what the department is doing to keep citizens safe.
Read the full statement below:
Sadly, most of the violent activity that we have experienced in our community has involved victims and suspects who are known acquaintances engaged in high risk behavior or others who were involved in personal relationships that turned violent. Despite monumental efforts, it is challenging for law enforcement alone to predict and prevent this type of activity. Public safety requires a shared effort between police, community members and our partners.
It requires all of us to look after each other and the greater community. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is committed to preventing and fighting violent crime.
The department has:
- Recently increased the number of Crime Reduction Unit officers assigned to specific areas that have experienced an increase in violence.
- Implemented a process where Crime Analysts and Lieutenants review shooting incidents daily and assign follow-up tasks for officers in an effort to prevent retaliatory violence.
- Coordinated a saturation operation that increases police presence by deploying officers on bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes and patrol cars in focus areas.
- Our Priority Offender Strategy Team (POST) identifies the most violent repeat offenders to ensure that any case against them is given priority and in collaboration with the federal or state prosecutors moves through the criminal justice system with the intention of protecting our community.
- In 2018, we assisted with more than 100 federal cases, most involving violent offenders who victimized members of our community.
- Broadened the number of certified CMPD Crisis Intervention Team officers.
- Partnered with mental health clinicians through our Community Policing Crisis Response Team (CPCRT). The team has a tentative start date of May 1st.
- Taken a leadership role in the planning and coordinating phase of developing a Family Justice Center (FJC) to reduce domestic violence incidents.
- Domestic Violence Detectives continue to engage and educate the community about resources available to reduce victimization.
- Engaged in community events that focus on conflict resolution education with the cityβs Community Relations Committee
The CMPD will continue to prioritize community safety by identifying additional strategies, partnerships and opportunities to prevent violent crime. I am personally asking for the community to assist us in this endeavor. Together we will make our community a safe one.
Respectfully,
Chief Kerr Putney
