2009 CIAA Basketball Tournament

This year's tournament runs from Tuesday, February 24, through Saturday, February 28. The game times vary so it is crucial to assume parking restrictions are constantly in effect.

Click here for the Tournament site or here for the events schedule.

Take Home Police Cars

Many communities allow Police Officers to take their police vehicles home for personal use. These vehicles are seen and thus make it seem as if more officers are on duty which creates a sense of security. I am told that officers "take ownership" of the vehicles which actually lengthens the useful life. Controls need to be in place and the costs need to be scrutinized to determine how quickly to implement the program. The program will not be cheap as this Charlotte Observer article points out...but it may be worth it.

Police seek presence close to home
By Christopher D. Kirkpatrick
ckirkpatrick@charlotteobserver.com
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009

Fifty Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers started driving cruisers home at night this week to give police higher visibility in local neighborhoods.

Chief Rodney Monroe unveiled the take-home car program at a news conference Friday in Eastland Mall's parking lot. The cruisers were parked around his podium as officers stood by each car.

Patrol officers are meant to use the vehicles on- and off-duty with the only caveat that they're not driven more than one county away and never overnight.

“It's to use them everyday,” he said, “to go shopping, to the mall, church, movies, wherever the public may go.”

More Officers For CMPD?

CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe is asking for 125 new Officers. This Charlotte Observer article puts the price tag at $5.4 million. Given that crime seems to be one of the most important issue to some in our community this would seem to be a small price to pay. It is time to contact the Mayor and members of the City Council to weigh in on the issue.

Less crime. No money. 125 more officers?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief Rodney Monroe says yes: There are too few on patrol for city's population.

By Christopher D. Kirkpatrick, Gary Wright and Cleve R. Wootson Jr.
Staff Writers
Posted: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009

Charlotte-Mecklenburg's crime is declining, and tax revenues are, too.
So why would police ask for 125 new officers, when other city departments are slashing spending?

Police Chief Rodney Monroe on Monday told Charlotte City Council he needs an additional $5.4 million for new officers and other staff to keep crime trending downward.

On Tuesday, he explained why he believes his request is justified in terrible financial times.

Despite last year's 7.8 percent drop in crime, Monroe told the Observer: “There were still 54,000 victims. I don't think that's acceptable. … We want to continue to bring that down.”