Crime Czar Search Delayed By Controversy

Mecklenburg County leaders decided Friday to delay their search for a person to fill a job described by some as a "crime czar." A member of the task force that made the position its number one recommendation said Friday that he's getting frustrated.

Jennifer Roberts, chairman of the county commission, told Channel 9 Eyewitness News on Friday night that the county is not abandoning the job. "We do plan to fill it," Roberts said. "We're slowing down the process, but we do plan to fill it."

Roberts said the description of the job, which is officially listed as a justice accountability director, might be changed slightly. "It's possible it could be tweaked," she said.

Bill Munson was a member of the task force. Munson said he's frustrated over the controversy the job has caused. "I won't go so far as to say it's a slap in the face, but it's certainly very disappointing it's come to this," Munson said.

Roberts said Friday night that some people may have misunderstood the position. Police Chief Rodney Monroe said recently that he didn't need anyone telling him how to do his job.

"He's doing a great job," Roberts said of Monroe. "We don't want to tell (him how to do his job). We want to ask him, 'How can we help you do your job better?'"

Munson said the task force never intended for the position to exert authority over the police chief, but to oversee the implementation of the panel's 15 other recommendations.

Channel 9 Eyewitness News obtained a letter the task force sent to the Charlotte Observer on Friday. It reads in part, "We applaud County Manager Jones for suggesting the county take additional time to select the right person...." Munson said, however, that he hopes there are no further delays. "Just take the recommendations and do it," Munson said.

Roberts said the county needs to slow down on picking the justice accountability director so it can get input from the mayors of Charlotte and the six other towns in Mecklenburg County. Jones said he now plans to take 90 days to hire someone instead of the 30 days the county commission originally suggested.