EpiCentre hires new security firm

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Eyewitness News has learned one of Uptown Charlotte's most popular hot spots recently switched to a new private security company following months of complaints of racial discrimination.

The new security company started working at EpiCentre about two weeks ago.

EpiCentre's new management said the decision was made in mid-October but had nothing to do with a series of discrimination complaints.

In the past few months, Eyewitness News has followed three separate cases of black customers being upset over the EpiCentre's dress code and its enforcement.

Philip Agnew was arrested this summer. He refused to turn his hat around after being asked by an Allied-Barton security officer. He told Eyewitness News he felt the dress code was being selectively enforced.

"We hope that the epicentre and their new security company are able to enforce the laws equitably, across the board," Agnew said.

There have also been racial discrimination complaints involving customers' shoes, and an incident over taking photographs in bars.

Charlotte's Community Relations Committee received written complaints, and investigators concluded the dress code was inconsistently enforced.

"We're excited. The old company obviously wasn't qualified to do their job there, so we're happy they got someone new in there," Agnew said.

EpiCentre's trustee told Eyewitness News when new management came on board in September, it evaluated all of the complex's vendor contracts and made some changes.

The CRC met with EpiCentre last month and recommended it switch security companies, but EpiCentre said that change was already "in the works."

"I can appreciate that they are trying to make a change, but I would appreciate it more if they would better explain why they made the change," said customer Maima Raynes.

The new security company is called IPC International, a private security company based in Illinois.

Eyewitness News checked its website, and learned it's the same company responsible for security at Northlake Mall.

Agnew is hopeful that EpiCentre has started a new chapter with Charlotte's minority community.

"We're cautiously optimistic. We'll wait and see," Agnew said.

WSOC