Violent Crime Drops in 2024 First Quarter

Published on April 15, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, April 15, 2024) – Today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) released its First Quarter Public Safety Report revealing a 1% decrease in violent crime year-to-date in 2024, as well as a 4% increase in property crime and 3% increase in overall crime. In a briefing at the Law Enforcement Center (601 E. Trade Street), CMPD representatives delivered updates on several strategic initiatives targeting violent crime, repeat offenders and juvenile delinquency.

“I am proud of our department’s efforts in quarter one,” said Chief Johnny Jennings. “Any reduction in violent crime is an achievement in a city growing as rapidly as Charlotte. However, our work doesn’t stop there. The number of juveniles involved in our crime stats is astonishing. Juveniles are committing violent and property crime in our city with little to no consequence or accountability. This has to change. As chief, I will continue to be outspoken about this issue and diligently work with our partners to find solutions. Our young people are our future and we must work to develop programs and solutions that show them just how bright their futures could be."

The drop in violent crime in quarter one includes decreases in Aggravated Assaults (-3%) and Aggravated Assaults with a Firearm (-4%).

Despite the decrease in violent crime incidents in the first quarter of 2024, the CMPD addressed the rise in homicides. There were 34 homicides in the first three months of 2024, a 31% increase over the same timeframe in 2023.

“We as concerned citizens, community members and neighbors can make a positive impact to reduce the violence that is becoming too routine,” said Deputy Chief Zeru Chickoree. “We need the community to collaborate with us and get out in front of what is happening in their neighborhoods. Don’t put blinders on to warning signs and call us when you see something suspicious. De-escalation needs to happen routinely, so conflicts aren’t settled with the pull of a trigger.”

During this increase in homicide incidents, the CMPD’s Homicide Unit has maintained a five-year average homicide clearance rate of 80% that ranks among the best in the nation. In 2024, the Homicide Unit has already cleared 70% of its homicide cases year-to-date with the national average around 50%.

New in 2024, CMPD’s Central Division has implemented an initiative to reduce violent and property crime incidents in highly trafficked areas of Uptown. In 2023, CMPD launched “Operation Heartbeat” which utilized proactive patrols in the areas of the Spectrum Center and Transit Center. “Heartbeat” is now called Operation TRIO (Targeted Response for Intervention & Outreach),” which has expanded its footprint to also include First and Fourth Ward Parks and Romare Bearden Park. TRIO has helped reduce violent crime incidents in Uptown by 13% thus far in 2024. Through this initiative, officers have made 45 arrests and seized four firearms.

Juvenile crime continues to be a major concern for the CMPD with a rise in auto thefts and Shootings into Occupied Property (SIOPs). Thus far in 2024, juvenile suspects have been responsible for 21 total shootings and 17 SIOPs (up 42%). The 17 juvenile-related SIOPs have impacted 74 total victims. Meanwhile, out of the 279 auto theft arrests made in the first quarter of 2024, 222 were juvenile suspects (80%). The CMPD is committed to taking proactive measures to support Charlotte’s youth and take repeat offenders out of their cycle of criminal activity and divert them towards programs designed to end recidivism.

In 2024, CMPD is bolstering efforts to address juvenile crime with the creation of the new JADE initiative. The JADE (Juvenile Accountability and Diversion Empowerment) team conducts juvenile investigations and operations and monitors Charlotte’s most at-risk juvenile offenders. JADE provides resources to these juveniles and their families to prevent recidivism and helps empower them to turn their lives around for the better and become productive citizens in our community. So far in 2024, JADE officers have made 24 arrests, recovered five vehicles and seven firearms and made 27 home visits to juvenile offenders to provide families with resources.

In addition to JADE, the CMPD will build upon its 2023 pilot program, Fifth Element. This mentor and diversion program is for repeat juvenile offenders ages 13 to 17. The juvenile participants are paired with officers and take part in monthly workshops that emphasize life and occupational skills training, career coaching and cultural enrichment. Participants are selected through referrals from officers or Service Area lieutenants and are automatically enrolled every year until they graduate or age out of the program. CMPD graduated two participants last year and currently have five participants enrolled.

Recruitment continues to be a top priority for the CMPD. The Recruitment and Training Bureau works tirelessly to attract candidates to join the ranks of the CMPD. The division visits countless career events at universities, military bases and more to connect with potential recruits. So far in 2024, the CMPD has received nearly 900 sworn applications (up 86%) and has made 71 sworn hires (up 69%). This has helped reduce our overall officer shortage to 191 vacancies (down 20%). The department’s current staffing number includes police recruits who are employed by the CMPD but have not graduated from the Training Academy. This week, Recruit Class 196 will graduate 58 police recruits. New in 2024, the department will introduce a fourth recruit class in December, in addition to a yearly lateral recruit class this year. 

As recruitment efforts continue to reduce officer vacancies, the CMPD is set to launch a new program that will help free up officers to focus on high-priority calls for service. The Civilian Crash Investigators Program is on track to launch in July of 2024. The CMPD will hire 16 civilians to investigate property damage-only traffic accidents. The civilians will undergo a four-week training certification program through the North Carolina Justice Academy. These positions are currently posted on the city of Charlotte’s website and CMPD is actively recruiting for these individuals.

Looking ahead in 2024, the CMPD will continue efforts to reduce violent crime and property crime. The Department will also continue to invest in strategic initiatives, juvenile diversion and lowering the current officer shortage through recruitment efforts.

The following statistical breakdown below provides an overall snapshot of crime in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2023:

• Violent crimes: 1,627 offenses in 2024 compared to 1,642 offenses in 2023.
• Homicides: 34 in 2024 compared to 26 in 2023.
• Aggravated assaults: 1,211 in 2024 compared to 1,244 in 2023.
• Rapes: 55 in 2024 compared to 66 in 2023.
• Armed robberies: 209 in 2024 compared to 202 in 2023.
• Property crimes: 8,531 offenses in 2024 compared to 8,191 in 2023.
• Residential burglaries: 406 in 2024 compared to 416 in 2023.
• Commercial burglaries: 538 in 2024 compared to 433 in 2023.
• Larcenies from automobiles: 2,303 in 2024 compared to 2,358 in 2023.
• Vehicle thefts: 1,941 in 2024 compared to 1,491 in 2023.
• Arsons: 39 in 2024 compared to 30 in 2023.

To review graphics from our First Quarter Media Briefing, CLICK HERE.

To view the full press conference:

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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.