CMPD, community partners team up to reduce crime at uptown transit center

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Channel 9 investigation uncovered more than 100 crimes around uptown Charlotte’s transit center in the past six months, but a new partnership has already led to a reduction in crime.

[PAST COVERAGE: 9 Investigates rise in crime at uptown Transit Center]

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police took Eyewitness News anchor Blaine Tolison into the transit center with their community partners to show how they’re working together to reduce crime.

Tolison walked with Garcia Nelson, who runs a nonprofit called The Men Inc., as he talked to a teenager waiting on a bus at the transit center.

“What are you doing?” Nelson asked.

“I play basketball,” the teen responded.

“OK, what’s your three-year plan?” Nelson questioned.

“My three-year plan? I don’t know yet,” the teen answered.

Nelson has worked with CMPD, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and a nonprofit called The Relatives. They meet one to two times a week to try and change lives.

“I think it creates a safer environment all the way around,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Sgt. George Mentavlos said.

Mentavlos coordinates the program called “TEAM.”

It started two years ago and he said since then they’ve reached out to 400 people, with 175 accepting some type of outreach services.

“As a group, we really do want to make a positive difference in the community,” Mentavlos said.

It’s hard to prove if it all directly ties into a reduction in crime, but Mentavlos believes it does by showing a presence and helping even those who have committed crimes.

“Individuals that have warrants out on them, we’re able to get some of the warrants dismissed that allows them to be productive in the community,” Nelson said.

Nelson also said even more nonprofits are jumping on board to help out.

“They’re in the community and they’re not afraid to ask individuals, 'What do you need? How can I help you to become more effective?’” Nelson said.

Mentavlos said those in the TEAM program will continue to go to the transit center every week and said there may be more programs like it across the city of Charlotte.

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