CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings and Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden are advocating for more resources to address the recent spike of youth crime.
"It's just a failure in the system, that we're not taking care of our young people," CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said.
Jennings and McFadden appeared on a special edition of WCNC's Flashpoint focused on seeking solutions to youth crime.
"We deal with it each and every day. It is putting a strain on our office," McFadden said.
In 2023, CMPD reported a 34% increase in the number of juveniles who were arrested, along with a 33% increase in underage suspects named in shooting cases.
"We have to start with parenting. I think we really have to look at our parents," Lisa Crawford, director of Mothers of Murdered Offspring, said.
Also appearing on WCNC's Flashpoint, the family of 17-year-old Nahzir Taylor, who was shot to death after getting off of his school bus in 2022.
Police charged other teenagers in the case.
"It's not just the parents, it's everybody. Do you guys remember the war on drugs? I think there needs to be a war on teen violence," Shetara Taylor, Nahzir's mother, said.
Nahzir's brothers say social media is fueling youth violence.
"Nowadays, people they just want to be like other people. And they want to put on a facade and be people that they aren't. So, when they see others doing what they want, they get jealous about it," Na'son, Nahzir's brother, said.
You can catch the full discussion on WCNC's Flashpoint: Seeking solutions to youth crime.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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