‘I think we are a very safe city’: Violent crime down in 2021, CMPD chief says

CHARLOTTE — Violent crime was down in 2021 across the Queen City, said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings.

He said Monday during a news conference on end-of-year crime statistics that violent crime was down 7% overall.

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CMPD said there were 98 homicides last year, which was an 18% drop from 2020. Jennings said that number could fall even more as the district attorney reviews whether some cases were justified.

Jennings said the police department took more than 3,000 illegal guns off the street in 2021, which was more than they seized in 2020.

When asked if he would describe Charlotte as a safe city, Jennings said the data doesn’t tell the whole story and many times, people who live a dangerous lifestyle could be put at risk for being a victim in violent crimes.

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“Not that that’s anything that’s acceptable,” Jennings said. “But for the most part, I think we are a very safe city.”

(Watch the video below: Authorities: CMPD officer shot by 14-year-old also accused of breaking into car)