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CMPD to step up foot patrols in NoDa, Plaza Midwood

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers will be leaving their cars behind as they work to fight crime in two Charlotte neighborhoods.

Foot patrols are an older tactic the department hopes will make a difference in the NoDa and Plaza Midwood communities

The beat program is one of those summer initiatives that has gotten so much publicity over the past couple of days.

The main advantage is that it will allow officers to get closer to the people they serve, officials at the Police Department said.

The Smelly Cat Coffeehouse is an institution in North Davidson.

"It is definitely always slammed down here,” manager Laura Spratt said. “A lot of tourist coming through, especially on Fridays and Saturdays."

Police think the quickest way to get to some emergencies is to walk, because of the weekend crowds in NoDa and Plaza Midwood.

"It stays congested, so it's easier access to get to those calls for service," Lt. Luke Sell said.

The division is starting a walking beat program Wednesday night where three to five officers will participate.

They will be the same officers on patrol every weekend.

"The same officers allow us a couple of things, to know what's going on, what's supposed to be going on in a back parking lot or an alley," Sell said.

One of the gathering places in Plaza Midwood is the Common Market, and owner Glenn Barnes believes the added officers will give him an extra set of eyes for potential problems.

The initiative is somewhat experimental, even though the tactic has been around forever.

Police are going to reassess progress in August and then decide if to continue on through the fall.

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