CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte City Council held its first meeting of the new term Monday evening.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings addressed city leaders during the action review portion of the meeting, which happens before the full business meeting begins.
Jennings was joined by Federico Rios, the assistant director of Charlotte's Office of Equity, Mobility and Immigration Integration. The pair gave an update on the SAFE Charlotte initiatives.
So far the Alternatives to Violence Program (ATV) along the Beatties Ford Road corridor has managed to complete 45 mediations to help deescalate violent crime in the area.
“It is a positive indicator that the work is having a positive effect," Rios said.
In 2020, the city council unanimously voted to approve six recommendations identified in the SAFE Charlotte report.
Those recommendations included helping nonprofits address violence in the community, expanding the community policing crisis response team, and enhancing recruitment efforts.
During Monday's meeting, in a unanimous vote, Charlotte City Council approved a $1 million grant to expand the Alternatives to Violence program. This time the focus will expand to the areas of Nations Ford and Arrowood Road along with the Southside Homes neighborhood and West Boulevard.
“What makes the cure violence model correct for this area is the relational nature of the crime," Rios said. "These are crimes that are happening amongst individuals who know each other. These are not crimes of opportunity, but crimes of relationships.”
Charlotte city leadership previously said law enforcement reforms and violence interruption programs are only part of the solution to creating a safer Charlotte.
Over the past few years, the city said it has adopted several strategies to improve police and community relations, reduce violent crime, and create opportunities for social mobility.
“What we have to do is get into the communities and basically humanize who we are and change our brand and perception into the community, "Chief Jennings said.
The city said its all-in approach also focuses on helping people thrive because of improved opportunities for affordable housing, jobs, and safe, reliable transportation.
Data from February 2022 to February 2023 is expected to be presented later next year to review the progress and impact of the ATV.
Contact Briana Harper at bharper@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.