Public encouraged to weigh in on plan to improve safety around Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — You’ll have a chance to weigh in on a plan to improve safety in Charlotte before city council votes to implement it.

Channel 9 has been following the city’s work on the “Safe Charlotte” plan for months.

A big part of the 32-page plan includes an overhaul of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, everything from recruiting to policies regarding use of force.

The department already adopted the “Eight Can’t Wait” program. Among other things, it bans chokeholds, shooting at moving vehicles in most cases and requires officers to intervene if another officer uses excessive force.

The department banned the use of tear gas and no-knock warrants. They also implemented a “Text to 911” program.

They are also working with state lawmakers to give the Citizens Review Board subpoena power.

There are also several recommendations for next steps, including $1 million in the budget to nonprofits to address violence in the Charlotte community.

Another is to divert some low risk 911 calls, like noise complaints or illegal parking to non-uniformed responders. They are also working on having trained mental health workers respond with officers to certain calls.

With it comes to recruitment, the city wants to find ways to encourage officers to live in Charlotte. Some ideas include help with a down payment on a house or letting them take their patrol cars home.

Monday’s meeting begins earlier at 4 p.m. to allow for public comment, then city leaders will vote on it.

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