CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has launched Operation Safe Season, a new initiative aimed at increasing police presence and enforcement in Charlotte, particularly in Uptown, over the next several weekends.
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“We want families and visitors and businesses to feel confident that Uptown is a place they can gather safely,” said CMPD Chief Estella Patterson. “But we also want offenders to know if you come to Uptown to commit crimes. You will be held accountable.”
Operation Safe Season is a multi-agency effort designed to address repeated violence and criminal behavior in Charlotte. The initiative will focus on strategic visibility, strong partnerships, and strict accountability to enhance public safety.
Local, state and federal officials made the announcement Thursday afternoon.
Key components of Operation Safe Season include increased visibility, with officers present during peak entertainment hours to deter crime and respond quickly.
The public can expect to see more officers in Uptown during peak evening and weekend hours.
CMPD is collaborating with several law enforcement agencies and criminal justice partners, and the department’s specialized units will assist in addressing specific concerns.
Overall crime in Charlotte has decreased by 9% year-to-date, with a 20% decrease in violent crime and a 6% decrease in property crime, according to CMPD. However, violent crime in the Central Division has increased by 15%, including 10 homicides reported in 2025, up from four during the same period in 2024.
Channel 9’s Evan Donovan asked Patterson if there’s a disconnect between the safety of Uptown and how people feel about the safety in Uptown.
“I think what people have shared with us, there is a disconnect,” Patterson said. “They sometimes don’t feel safe, and that can be for a number of reasons. And that’s part of the reason we’re doing this initiative. So that people can see an increased presence of officers, and an opportunity to talk to our officers, approach us and ask us whatever questions you have to talk about that perception if you’re feeling unsafe.”
Patterson said the initiative is not just for the holiday season. She said it will continue as long as necessary. Operation Safe Season starts Friday.
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