CMPD Announces Security Plans For Uptown New Year's Festivities

With just a few days left in 2007, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are getting prepared for the New Year’s celebrations in uptown Charlotte.

Because last year’s festivities went smoothly, similar plans are already in place to ensure what is typically a big party night does not get out of control. The CMPD said it will mimic enforcement from last year because it was so successful and add another element.

That element is because this is the first New Year with Charlotte’s light rail line up and running. The CMPD will add security on each train and at each stop.

“We want to make sure (riders) feel safe when they get off the train, especially late at night, that people feel comfortable getting on and off the train,” said Dep. Chief Jerry Sennett.

Officers will also be patrolling the parking lots, and not just trying to prevent robberies and car break-ins. Sennett said they will pay particularly close attention to people who drink uptown and then ride the light rail to their cars and attempt to drive home.

Dep. Jerry Sennett said they hope police presence will deter crime, but officers will be poised and ready to make arrests if needed.

“We will not tolerate people obstructing traffic, fighting among themselves, obviously carrying weapons – at all. We will enforce those laws as we did July Fourth, very aggressively,” he said.

Compared to a typical night of the week, the CMPD will have an extra 300 officers out on New Year’s Eve. Officers said they are also getting a lot of help from the sheriff’s department. About 75 sheriff’s deputies, more than ever before, will help with law enforcement as well as transporting arrested people to the jail.

Many in uptown said the police presence, especially on the light rail, will be a welcome sight.

“I think it's going to make more people ride it because they'll feel safer,” said Ashley Bailey.

Other plans to keep New Year’s safe include keeping all roads open. Last time there were streets shut down in uptown on New Year’s Eve, fights broke out. Police will also enforce a strict curfew for minors. For children under 16, unless they are with an adult, they have to be home before 11 p.m.

Officers said they’ll take minors into custody if they’re out past that time, and they will hold parents accountable if their children are breaking curfew.

There is no organized event planned for uptown Charlotte.

SURVEY: Do You Plan To Celebrate New Year's In Uptown Charlotte?