The City of Charlotte has solidified and implemented public safety policy improvements developed through conversations with residents and community leaders. City leaders and staff understand that a safer Charlotte goes beyond changes to policing and public safety. It means tackling systemic issues to ensure a community of equity and opportunity. Taking a holistic approach, we have rolled up our sleeves to address such intertwined factors as unemployment, housing, transportation and workforce development.
Among the improvements now in progress, we are: empowering more non-uniformed civilians and providing additional community resources for success.
Change does not happen overnight. But in the course of a year, we have seen meaningful and sustainable improvements in action, with more to come in the year ahead.
In the first year of SAFE Charlotte, the city has:
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Hired civilian violence interrupters to stop violence before it starts in the Beatties Ford Road community.
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Provided support for community organizations by granting nearly $1 million to grassroots organizations to provide job training, youth services and other support.
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Opened the first de-escalation training facility to provide officers with the training and communication skills they need to reduce volatile circumstances.
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Improved Language Access by providing Spanish-language press conferences to build and foster relationships with immigrants and residents with limited English.
Key next steps include:
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Granting $1 million to grassroots community organizations in 2022.
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Expanding crisis response teams and develop a non-sworn officer responder model for mental health and homeless calls.
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Adding civilian positions to support CMPD youth programs.
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Adding civilian positions to develop and improve CMPD officer training programs.
Law enforcement reforms and violence interruption programs are only part of the solution to creating a safer Charlotte. The City of Charlotte’s all-in approach also focuses on helping residents thrive because of improved opportunities for affordable housing, jobs, and safe, reliable transportation.