CMPD chief outlines struggles as crime numbers rise

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief said his department is working to build a stronger relationship between officers and the community, but he told city leaders Thursday it’s still a struggle.

“What we’re trying to do is collaborate better,” Chief Kerr Putney said.

The topic of building trust and credibility was at the forefront of a community safety meeting with Charlotte City Council. The meeting comes after the department held its first transparency workshop Wednesday night, where more than 20 people attended.

“If we’re not engaging and building trust and legitimacy, all the crime fighting in the world doesn’t really matter,” Putney said.

Putney said the department has seen fewer tips this year after a violent and, at times, deadly start to 2017 with seven homicides.

“Everybody’s at a loss to explain why this is happening and why this is going up right now,” City Councilmember Julie Eiselt said.

Putney explained that officers are trying to get ahead of the crimes, and do proactive work, but said some officers are apprehensive.

“I’m going to be honest with you, rightly so to be extremely proactive. But the people who hurt are those in vulnerable communities,” Putney said.

The chief also explained all but one homicide involved people who knew one another.

“We’re two, two and a half weeks into the year. We have 50 weeks to go. I’m not as worried about that as I am the first part you talked about, which is that hesitancy to call in and inform,” Putney said.

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