The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) released its 2023 end-of-year annual report last week. The briefing noted continued gains in reducing violent crime and several successful crime-fighting operations. The report also called attention to a record-setting year for police recruitment and new hires.
Among the report’s highlights:
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Violent crime remained flat
After two consecutive years of violent crime reductions in 2021 and 2022, violent crime stayed flat in 2023. This is no small feat in a large metropolitan area such as Charlotte, and is the result of a strategic, holistic policing approach.
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Homicides fell 11%
The Homicide Unit continued to maintain a solve rate of 80% over five years. This is one of the highest solve rates in the nation. The Cold Case Unit also solved several decades-old cold cases using forensic genetic genealogy.
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Firearms seizures were up
Officers seized more than 3,400 firearms as evidence. This is a 10% increase over 2022. The recovery of approximately 140 firearms led to awards from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for four officers.
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Operation Heartbeat decreased violent crime Uptown
CMPD’s Central Division decreased violent crime by 36% around the Transit Center, the Spectrum Center and parking garages. Robberies in these areas also fell 43%.
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Applications and hiring rose
Sworn law enforcement applications rose 31% and hires were up 26% in 2023. CMPD continues to hire a qualified and diverse workforce and increase incentives to draw candidates from around the country.
For more on 2023 crime statistics, read CMPD’s public safety briefing news release, watch the press conference or download the full year-end report.
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