CMPD and CDE Launches “Protect You and Your Tech”
Published on October 07, 2026
The Center for Digital Equity Launches “Protect You and Your Tech” Campaign with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police
New initiative connects Charlotte residents with free cybersecurity resources and technology support
Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 7, 2026 – October marks National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and—in the AI Age—protecting your private information and knowing how to identify and report a cybercrime are more important than ever. Together, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Investigative Services Group and the Center for Digital Equity at Queens University (CDE) have launched the “Protect You and Your Tech” campaign. The initiative launches during Charlotte’s proclaimed Digital Inclusion Week, Oct. 5-9, highlighting the connection between digital access, skills and online safety. The campaign will provide residents with free resources, including workshops and one-on-one technology support, to address the growing need for digital skills.
As more essential services move online, access to reliable technology, digital skills and trusted support have become increasingly important for North Carolinians to navigate healthcare, work and everyday life. To connect residents with the appropriate non-emergency resources to help with general concerns such as setting up security protections on devices, CMPD is working with the CDE, an organization based at Queens University of Charlotte that provides free one-on-one support to community members across the Carolinas. Residents with general technology questions can call 311, the non-emergency number for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, to connect with a trained community member known as a CDE Digital Navigator.
CMPD’s Investigative Services Group, in partnership with state and federal agencies, investigates hundreds of cybercrimes and fraud-related offenses annually, including cyberstalking, financial exploitation and identity theft. In addition to crime-related calls, CMPD also receives 911 calls from residents with general device and privacy-related concerns involving phones, computers and online security.
"When people think about victim recovery, they rarely think of technology, yet digital security is a vital component of personal safety,” said CMPD Deputy Chief Ryan Butler. "This campaign bridges a critical gap. By partnering with the Center for Digital Equity, we can ensure residents have a dedicated resource to help them safely separate accounts, secure devices, and move forward with confidence."
Over the phone, CDE Digital Navigators troubleshoot basic technology issues, such as password protection, identifying phishing and suspicious links and navigating AI and social media safety.
“Building skills and confidence starts with being heard by real human support,” said Bruce Clark, executive director of the CDE. “Our CDE Digital Navigators take the time to listen and work through steps to alleviate concerns, helping build confidence and meet people’s needs, whether they’re setting up secure passwords or signing up to join a telehealth appointment.”
CDE also offers in-person office hours and classes at various locations throughout Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston and Union Counties. Residents are invited to sign up for the “Protect You and Your Tech” cybersecurity workshop on Oct. 27 at the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center in Charlotte.
Practicing safe digital habits includes:
- Using strong, unique passwords
- Turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Keeping devices updated and using anti-virus software
- Thinking quickly before you click
If a Charlotte resident believes they are a victim of a cybercrime or faces an immediate threat to their safety, they should call 911. If you believe your information has been compromised, you can report cybercrimes, online scams, and identity theft to the North Carolina Department of Justice online or by calling the toll-free consumer protection hotline at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. Additional resources, such as internet safety tips and privacy recommendations, are also available on the North Carolina Department of Justice’s website.
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About the Center for Digital Equity
The Center for Digital Equity, based at Queens University of Charlotte, works to ensure every community member has the tools, support and skills to navigate digital life confidently. In partnership with more than 150 local organizations, CDE embeds digital opportunity into the fabric of communities across North Carolina—one trusted relationship at a time. Over five years, CDE has delivered more than 1,000 trainings, helping over 11,000 residents. Through the Digital Opportunity Operating System (do.OS), CDE connects people, partners, services and systems to make digital opportunity easier to navigate and create pathways to lasting economic opportunity.
About the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, www.cmpd.org and www.JoinCMPD.com, is a progressive, technology-driven, metropolitan department that believes strongly in the principles of crime management, community collaboration, professional accountability and employee wellness. The department employs more than 1,900 sworn officers, 500 civilian employees and 500 volunteers. If the public has information about a crime, anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com.