Creating a safer Uptown + elevating its public appeal — that’s the goal of the Center City Public Safety Working Group (CCPSWG).
The CCPSWG has been meeting since early 2024. City representatives met with community members to outline support and local resources. In response, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, Center City Partners, and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority each announced three upcoming initiatives.
CMPD
- Operation TRIO (Targeted Response for Intervention and Outreach) will reduce violent and property crime in highly trafficked areas of Uptown — focused on Fourth Ward Park, First Ward Park, Romare Bearden Park, and Charlotte Transportation Center.
- JADE (Juvenile Accountability and Diversion Empowerment) initiative works to prevent victimization and divert juveniles from crime.
- Enforcement of re-criminalized city ordinances
Editor’s note: Chief Jennings referenced incidents during Fourth of July 2023 and New Year’s Eve. He said the JADE initiative has conducted 100 home visits in 2024 with 30+ more ahead of July 4.
Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office
- Enhanced coordination with CMPD’s Central Division prioritizing accountability of repeat offenders
- Engage with Center City merchants and security personnel to ensure up-to-date and transparent information about public safety challenges
- Find innovative ways to address Charlotte’s housing crisis
“When we work on this together, we give ourselves the best chance at a community where everyone can work and live and thrive in peace,” said Spencer Merriweather, Mecklenburg County District Attorney.
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
- Establish a Safety Information Coordinator to track incidents across the hospitality sector
- Communicate Uptown safety conditions to residents and business owners
- Collaborate and share research related to visitors’ perceptions of public safety
“Ensuring that Uptown Charlotte is perceived as safe is essential for maintaining economic vitality in our city,” said Steve Bagwell, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
Charlotte Center City Partners
- Realignment of the Public Safety Ambassador program
- Convene public safety stakeholders through CCPSWG and Center City Public Safety Council
- Programming in Uptown Charlotte that drives attendance
“We’re thrilled with who’s a part of [the work] and the commitment level everyone’s demonstrated,” said Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners.
