‘On at all times’: CMPD launches new safety initiative

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced Tuesday that officers will now keep steady blue lights on at all times.

The new initiative is aimed at deterring crime and creating visibility.

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CMPD officials say the initiative, called “Heartbeat,” has been extended throughout all 13 of their divisions.

“One of the biggest things that we hear from the community consistently, is that they want to see their police officers – when they see police officers, it helps them feel safe,” Lt. Kevin Pietrus said.

During a press conference Tuesday, officers also emphasized that if you see flashing blue lights – you know the deal.

“We do ask if you see those flashing blue lights, you slowly and safely move to the right,” Pietrus said.

Other cities in North Carolina do this including Wilmington, whose police department has seen success since they implemented it in 2021.

“Public feedback has been real good,” Wilmington Lt. Greg Willett tells Channel 9′s Evan Donovan. “People like to know we’re around, they like to see us driving around in traffic, it gives a sense of security. With the blue lights on, you might not think it makes that big a difference, but it really does.”

Willett says there was an adjustment period where drivers thought they were getting pulled over – but it didn’t last long.

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