CMPD Expands Patrols to South Charlotte Under Rebranded Safety Program

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department dispatched officers into south Charlotte over the weekend. Queen City Safe drove the deployment. This rebranded initiative targets zones where crime persists. The program once went by Operation Safe and stuck to Uptown's borders.

Patrols clustered around Nations Ford Road and Arrowood Road Friday. CMPD pinpointed this crossroads after residents reported recurring problems.

Mark Anthony cuts hair at Sporty B&J Barbershop on Arrowood Road. Crowds sometimes linger outside shops, he said. "People hanging out that really shouldn't be hanging out in front of the barbershop, the other businesses, that may stop off other customers from coming in, not only on this side of the street but the other side of the street as well," he said, per WCNC Charlotte.

Uptown saw a spike in lawbreaking. Authorities rolled out Queen City Safe in answer. More badges on streets equals fewer chances for repeat violators to strike again.

Shefor Harris works near where patrols concentrate. Gas stations make her uneasy after sundown, she admitted. "I just hate gas stations at night myself, especially when they're crowded, and there's a lot of people that stand around — that makes me uncomfortable," Harris said.

WCNC Charlotte spotted multiple officers stationed along Nations Ford Road and Arrowood on Feb. 27. Anthony called the visibility unusual for this part of town. "I've been over here a long time, and I rarely see a police presence on that side of town. There are some crimes on this side of town, and if they are starting to see patrols over here, that would be a good thing," he said.

CMPD urged shop owners and neighbors to call in anything strange. Most know the Crime Stoppers number exists, but hardly anyone dials it to share what they've seen, officers said.