SAFE Charlotte Research Study
Background
In the wake of grassroots social justice movements spurred by unchecked police shootings, cities across the United States continue to look for ways to increase safety while addressing matters of social justice and repairing harm.
In some cities that looks like re-imagining the roles of armed police, public safety as a whole, and civilian response models to community care.
Challenges
Researchers wanted to know motivations behind residential incentive programs for one section of the research and for the non-uniform response study.
On Oct. 26, 2020, The Charlotte City Council unanimously voted to approve six recommendations identified in the SAFE Charlotte report. Over the past few years, the city has adopted several strategies to improve police and community relations, reduce violent crime, and create opportunities for social mobility.
Provide $1 million from the city’s current budget to help Charlotte based non-profits address violence in the community.
Work with an external partner to develop a comprehensive recommendation to convert low-risk sworn duties to non-uniform units.
Work with an external partner to provide an independent analysis to include areas such as police-civilian contact and police calls and responses.
Expand Community Policing Crisis Response Team (CPCRT) and develop a non-sworn officer responder model for mental health and homeless calls.
Engage a university or independent organization to evaluate selected youth programs on an annual basis.
Enhance recruitment efforts and develop a program to provide additional residency incentives to officers living in priority areas, including a down payment incentive.
What We Did
Civility Localized worked on and was responsible for results on Recommendation #2 and Recommendation #6.
The service provider worked with CMPD to research, analyze, and develop recommendations for transitioning certain police duties to civilian response models.
Some of our responsibilities included:
Developing Interview Guides
Stakeholder Identification
Recruitment and Interviewing
Facilitating Focus Groups
Drafting final recommendations
Drafting final report
Media
