Charlotte, NC, October 1, 2025
News Summary
A recent audit of the Charlotte Area Transit System has uncovered a major reduction in armed security personnel by 55% since 2018, alongside a staggering 211% increase in spending on security services. This alarming situation was highlighted following a tragic stabbing incident, raising serious concerns over public safety and security measures on public transit. As crime rates soar to three times the national average among riders, the adequacy of current security practices is being scrutinized by various officials and agencies.
Charlotte, NC – Significant Security Gaps in Charlotte Area Transit System Revealed by Audit
A preliminary audit of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has unveiled a concerning 55% reduction in armed security personnel since 2018, raising serious questions amidst skyrocketing spending on security services. The audit was initiated following the tragic fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on August 22, 2025, while aboard a CATS light rail train. The investigation, led by auditor Dave Boliek, examines security contracts dating from 2018 through September 2025.
The report highlights a dramatic increase in the contract value for security services, which has surged by 211% from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in 2025. In stark contrast, the number of armed security personnel has diminished significantly. In 2018, CATS operated under a contract with G4S Secure Solutions that employed between 68 and 88 armed security personnel. Currently, only 39 armed guards are on duty.
The ongoing contract for security services is held by Professional Security Services (PSS), which is authorized for up to 219 personnel. However, it has failed to fill these positions adequately, with only 186 personnel employed, resulting in a vacancy rate of 82.1%. This shortage of armed security has raised alarms regarding the prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts over public safety.
The Charlotte Business Inclusion program has influenced the contracts with private security firms, prompting criticisms from state officials who have questioned the hiring practices employed. The report notes that the city’s bidding process restricted security contracts to firms certified by this program, thus excluding other potentially qualified security companies.
In response to criticism regarding DEI initiatives, House Bill 171 was introduced to eliminate such programs in government, but it was vetoed by Democratic Governor Josh Stein and remains subject to legislative override. Despite these tensions, CATS’s contracting practices and the qualifications of PSS have been defended by Mayor Vi Lyles, maintaining that the firm meets all contract requirements and provides satisfactory service.
The audit also points out alarming crime statistics concerning CATS; the transit system reported a ridership of 14.9 million in fiscal year 2024, covering a service area of 675 square miles. Crime rates against CATS riders are reportedly three times the national average. Following the stabbing incident, police presence along the Blue Line has increased. Additionally, CATS plans to enforce further security measures, including de-escalation training for operators.
The situation has drawn the attention of both federal and state investigators, who are examining the adequacy of security measures implemented by CATS in the wake of the September incident. The Federal Transit Administration holds the authority to withhold federal funding based on their findings concerning CATS’s safety plans and overall performance.
Current and former CATS drivers have expressed growing concerns regarding security lapses that leave operators and passengers vulnerable, especially in light of rising crime incidents on public transit.
FAQ
What prompted the preliminary audit of the Charlotte Area Transit System?
The audit was prompted by the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on August 22, 2025, while aboard a light rail train.
How much has spending on security services increased?
The contract value for security services has increased by 211%, from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in 2025.
What is the current number of armed security personnel employed by CATS?
As of this month, only 39 armed guards are employed by CATS.
What percentage of security roles remain unfilled under the current contract?
The current security contract has filled only 186 positions, resulting in 82.1% of available roles being vacant.
What are the crime statistics related to CATS?
The report indicated concerns about the high rate of crimes against CATS riders, which is reportedly three times the national average.
Key Features of the Audit Report
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reduction in Security Personnel | 55% since 2018 |
| Increase in Security Spending | 211% increase from $5.9M to $18.4M (2022-2025) |
| Current Armed Guards | 39 armed guards employed |
| Vacancy Rate | 82.1% of positions unfilled |
| Ridership in FY 2024 | 14.9 million across 675 square miles |
| Crime Rate Comparison | Three times the national average |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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New Video Emerges in Fatal Stabbing Case in Charlotte
Congressional Hearing in Charlotte Addresses Crime and Safety
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Charlotte Police Investigate Two Homicides Over the Weekend
Fatal Stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee Stuns Charlotte
Mecklenburg County to Begin Early Voting Amid Security Enhancements
Charlotte Leaders Reject National Guard Assistance Amid Rising Crime
Shooting Near University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Audit of CATS Security
- Wikipedia: Charlotte Area Transit System
- The Center Square: Security Audit Findings
- Google Search: CATS Security Audit
- WRAL: CATS Armed Security Review
- Google Scholar: CATS Security Measures
- WBTV: Charlotte Public Transit Security Drop
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transit Security
- WSOC TV: CATS Hiring Practices Questioned
- Google News: CATS Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
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