Charlotte, NC, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Charlotte City Council has unanimously decided to expand the jurisdiction of Professional Police Services (PPS) to increase safety in the city’s transit system. This $18 million initiative will enhance security presence at key transit areas without diminishing the role of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. The move comes amidst rising public safety concerns following violent incidents, including a recent murder. PPS officers will adhere to CMPD training standards and utilize body cameras to strengthen transit safety.
Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte City Council has voted unanimously to expand the jurisdiction of the Professional Police Services (PPS), the private security company responsible for patrolling the city’s transit system. This decision is aimed at enhancing safety in key transit areas, including the Charlotte Transit Center, Rail Trail, Rosa Parks Transit Center, and Eastland Transit Center.
The total expenditure for the transit security services provided by PPS is set at $18 million. Importantly, this agreement will not reduce the jurisdiction of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), ensuring continued overlap in security oversight.
CATS CEO Brent Cagle has indicated that this policy shift will foster better collaboration and effectively reduce criminal activities associated with transit facilities. Public comment during a recent council meeting highlighted escalating safety concerns, particularly regarding incidents of harassment and disturbances occurring on transit trains.
This policy change comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny surrounding safety protocols in the transit system, following the tragic murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a train. Councilman Ed Driggs emphasized the urgent need for commitment in addressing public safety and the prevailing concerns surrounding transit security.
PPS officers are mandated to adhere to the same training standards as CMPD officers and are required to wear body cameras while on duty. The city council aims to boost the visible security presence within the transit system and enhance fare enforcement measures as part of this initiative.
City leaders have acknowledged that significant work still lies ahead regarding transit safety, reflecting an ongoing concern for public safety that has escalated due to prior violent incidents. Following a shooting incident at the Charlotte Transportation Center, a lawsuit has been filed against the city, accusing both the city and PPS of negligence in providing adequate security considering the known history of violence in the area.
The lawsuit specifically claims that officers failed to intervene during a fight that led to gunfire, resulting in the death of an innocent bystander. Since 2015, there have been 36 homicides and 1,285 aggravated assaults documented near the transit center, raising alarm over public safety measures.
In response to the April shooting, the city took the step of closing food vendors at the transit center as a precautionary measure to improve safety on site. The city council is also seeking assistance from state lawmakers to strengthen transit safety measures and garner legislative support for ongoing improvements.
As the city moves forward with these initiatives, stakeholders and residents alike are hopeful that the expanded jurisdiction of PPS combined with a collaborative approach to security will significantly enhance the safety and effectiveness of Charlotte’s public transit system.
FAQ
What decision did the Charlotte City Council make regarding transit security?
The Charlotte City Council voted unanimously to expand the jurisdiction of Professional Police Services (PPS), the private security company patrolling the transit system.
What is the total cost of transit security provided by PPS?
The total cost of transit security provided by PPS is $18 million.
What are the safety concerns raised by the public regarding the transit system?
Public comments during the council meeting raised safety concerns, with incidents reported of harassment and disturbances on transit trains.
What legislative support is the city council seeking?
City council representatives are seeking assistance from state lawmakers to bolster transit safety measures and legislative support.
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Additional Resources
- WCCB Charlotte: City Council Votes to Expand Transit Security Jurisdiction
- QC News: City Could Expand Security Around Charlotte Transit Hubs After Fatal Light Rail Stabbing
- WBTV: New Lawsuit Blames Charlotte CATS Security for Killing at Transportation Center
- WCNC: Charlotte City Council Votes to Expand Private Police Authority at Transit Hubs
- QCity Metro: Charlotte Transit Security Measures
- Wikipedia: Public Transportation Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation
- Google Search: Charlotte transit safety
- Google Scholar: Charlotte transit safety measures
- Google News: Charlotte transit security
Author: HERE Charlotte
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