CMPD releases annual report on officer-involved incidents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Every year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reports officer-related issues, from how often deadly force is used to the number of officers disciplined.

In 2017, five officers were criminally charged, compared to only one in 2016.

Twelve officers were cited for termination in 2017, while there were only four in 2016.

You can read the full report here.

The report also shows officers appear to be more cautious about using force.

CMPD had 45 fewer complaints of officers using too much force last year, and the number of times officers used firearms dropped from 24 to 10.

“Firearms cases dropping dramatically, the officer actually thinking and using other alternatives than drawing his weapon -- I think is a big takeaway, said Robert Dawkins, an activist with Safe Coalition NC.

Dawkins has been pushing for more police accountability for several years and likes what he sees in that report.

City Councilman Matt Newton is also impressed with the police department’s transparency.

“Our department is being more transparent about its actions, sooner, rather than later,” Newton said.

Newton helped create the Citizens Review Board, which hears complaints about police misconduct.

He said the report is a start.

“I think this is one year, and I think the tale of the tape is going to occur two years from now when we see a larger sample size,” Newton said.

Rebuilding trust in the community could take years but even critics say the report is a good first step.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• More 'technical issues' leave passengers in limbo at Charlotte Douglas
• Family members find woman dead inside rural Burke County home
• TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash blocks northbound lanes of I-77 near Rock Hill
• Man critically injured in shooting at north Charlotte Days Inn

Cox Media Group