DNC Review: Big Success for CMPD, Monroe

After thousands of visitors poured into Charlotte for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, both attendees and protesters are considering the event a huge success.

Throughout the convention, law enforcement from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, officers from throughout the east coast, and hundreds of Federal agents maintained the peace without having to resort to violent measures. Reports say that the size of Charlotte's street presence, some 1,760 officers deep, nearly doubled for the DNC.

One of the major points of CMPD Chief Monroe's strategy was to maintain an open line of communication with protesters. Police set the tone for the week by allowing protesters to camp out in Marshall Park, which was explicitly prohibited according to city ordinances. Though police monitored the park at all hours, they allowed demonstrators to continue to stay there as long as no violence erupted.

Earlier in the week, police arrested a woman for wearing a mask while marching. Covering one's face by wearing a mask was also prohibited by the special event ordinances. By the middle of the week, however, police showed leniency on this rule by allowing some protesters to march while their faces were covered.

By the time protesters were leaving their camp at Marshall Park, 25 people had been arrested.Sixteen of those arrested found themselves in jail for impeding traffic by sitting in the middle of an uptown intersection. None of the other arrests were for acts of violence.

Nearly every day, police officers on bikes and motorcycles formed mobile roadblocks to keep protest marches from pouring over into Charlotte neighborhoods. Chief Monroe played an active role throughout the week. He was often seen marching with protesters and police, and was seen talking and interacting with protesters.

A common theme with Monroe's DNC strategy seemed to be that as long as demonstrators remained peaceful, it was acceptable to give them space to protest. Although there were several arrests, Monroe's approach undoubtedly worked, as no one was seriously injured, no property was damaged, and the convention was held without a glitch.

Chief Monroe's Update on CMPD Taser Review

On July 21, 2011, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department began immediately inspecting all of our Electronic Control Devices (TASERS) to ensure they were in proper working order. To accomplish that goal, all ECDs were collected from our officers and personally tested and inspected. This inspection identified a small number ECD’s had minor defects such as batteries and date reset displays; they will be replaced or repaired.

CMPD has also completed an internal review of the department’s policy on the use of ECD’s as well as the training that officers receive on their use. The CMPD continues to believe that TASERS are a valuable tool for police officers and that they ultimately enhance the safety of our citizens by giving officers a viable option to minimize injuries to themselves and others.

However, it is critical that both our officers and the public have confidence not only in the devices themselves but also in the policies and training related to their use. To that end, I have asked the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to conduct a review of the department’s policies and procedures regarding TASER deployment along with our training program. PERF specializes in identifying best practices related to law enforcement issues and is familiar with TASER deployment policies and training throughout the country. PERF’s review will give us an objective outside look at our policies and training and will help us identify any needed modifications.

I anticipate that the PERF Review will take 45 to 50 days to complete. While that will take us past our initial target of September 7 to complete the review, I believe that the extra time spent on that outside review will result in enhanced confidence in our use of TASERS, both for our officers and the public. We will keep you informed on the progress of the review.

We are also in discussions with TASER International regarding the possible replacement of our current TASERS with a newer model that has some additional safety features. I will keep you updated on the progress of those discussions.

Chief Rodney D. Monroe
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

The Charlotte Observer: "Recording Police can Create Clashes"

On the front page of the Sunday Edition of The Charlotte Observer, you will find an article about my recent experience with a CMPD Officer.

In the article, Charlotte Observer writer Jim Morrill provides  some details of what happened to me on June 23rd as well addressing the problem of friction between Law Enforcement Officers and photographers across the country.

*** An important bit of information that wasn't mentioned in the article is a 'hat tip' to Cedar Posts for all the legal research and documentation he gathered and published about my  incident.  Cedar is a fellow Charlotte blogger who pens the Cedar Posts and Barbwire Fences Blog.  Please check it out! 

~ Correction to Article:  I believe I was approx. 20-30 ft. from the Officers.


Article Photo Credit: Todd Sumlin

CMPD Chief Monroe's Press Conference

CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe spoke at a news conference this afternoon to discuss the weekend events downtown:


Thanks WBTV!

The following video was released by CMPD showing footage from the Speed Street aftermath.

CMPD's Chief Monroe Lied to City Council about TSA Report

As most of you know, I am not a fan of CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe. Since Monroe took office, Charlotte's crime stats have miraculously dropped to an all time low and I know he is 'cooking the books,' so to speak.

Here is just another example of why we cannot trust Chief Monroe:

Chief Rodney Monroe and City Manager Curt Walton both lied when they told Charlotte City Council members that an investigative report into how 16-year old Delvonte Tisdale breached security at Charlotte/Douglas airport had been 'classified or sealed' by the TSA/United States government. Not True!

Good Read: Cedar Posts and Barbwire Fences Blog

5 Murders in 5 Days in Charlotte: Chief Monroe's Statement

The five homicides that our community has experienced over the last five days are troubling; anytime a community experiences a senseless loss of life it is tragic.

I want to ensure our citizens that the CMPD is working aggressively to bring resolution to each and every one of these cases. Investigative Units have made arrests in two of the four homicide cases that have occurred this week including the homicide of Jermaine McJunkins that occurred on Mattoon St. last night and the homicide of Michael Pernell Smith that occurred on Camrose Dr. this past Sunday.

The department has a full compliment of investigative and patrol units working these four cases around the clock and we anticipate additional arrests. Our investigations lead us to believe these murders involve relationships between known associates. None of these four cases are random acts of violence.

The CMPD has increased patrols in neighborhoods affected by these recent cases providing a visible presence to ensure the safety of our citizens. We have deployed specialized units including VCAT , Firearms, Vice/Narcotics and Gang to develop vital information. We continue to receive information from community members that will assist us in solving these cases. The Homicide Unit encourages anyone with information to contact them on the Tips line at 704-432-TIPS.

Rodney Monroe, Chief of Police

Police Seeking More Information on Child Porn Suspect

Former UNCC student Heath Gerard, 22, was returned to Charlotte from West Virginia to face 6 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Police say they are concerned Gerard may have had serious illegal sexual contact with children or others in the Charlotte area and would like anyone with information to come forward immediately.

CMPD say they first became aware of Gerard while conducting an undercover Internet sting where they say obtained child pornography from a location in Charlotte and traced it back to Gerard’s computer.

In March, Detectives obtained a warrant and searched Gerard's residence where they took his computer and other digital media from the room he rented in the home. Investigators said they recovered many disturbing and bizarre sexually explicit photos and videos of young children being sexually abused. Police said the victims are children (girls and boys) mostly under the age of ten.

Police obtained arrest warrants but Gerard fled before they apprehended him. Weeks later, Gerard made contact with CMPD detectives and he was arrested in Beckley, West Virginia on April 30, 2010. Police said that when he appeared in court, he contested his extradition to Charlotte and became combative to the point that extra restraints were necessary to complete the hearing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective C. Perez of the CMPD Cyber Crimes Unit at 704-432-4707 or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

CMPD Chief Defends Request For 125 More Officers

WCNC: Crime numbers are down but Charlotte Mecklenburg's Police Chief is standing by his request for more police officers, and he's getting support from some neighborhood leaders.

"There's still too much crime in the city of Charlotte and we need to be able to do more to be more aggressive in trying to reduce crime," Chief Rodney Monroe told Eyewitness News on Tuesday.

Monroe is asking the city for $4.5 million to hire 125 more officers to step up his campaign for more police visibility in the community. The timing of the request has raised some eyebrows. Crime statistics released last week show many crime indexes down more than 20 percent across Charlotte, and the request comes as Charlotte City Council is looking at possible budget cuts. But Monroe insists the extra officers are necessary.

"I recognize that very tough choices are going to be made but that shouldn't preclude me from saying what I believe is needed," Monroe said.

At least one influential neighborhood group is lining up behind the request. "We need more officers, no question," said Christy Wright of Neighbors for a Safer Charlotte.

The group has pushed for more crime control and better accountability in the courts since crime jumped significantly last year. Wright said she doesn't completely buy the latest crime numbers, and is supporting the Chief's request because many people she knows say there's still a long way to go.

"Ask everybody on the street whether they feel like this city's gotten materially safer, and the answer is no," said Wright.

Lawmaker Asks Panel to Probe Chief Monroe's Degree

From The Associated Press via The Charlotte Observer:

A Virginia legislator says he will ask the General Assembly's investigative panel to look into the awarding of a degree by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe when he was in Richmond.

Lacey Putney said Tuesday that questions remain about the degree, which the university has concluded was awarded improperly. The Bedford independent said the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission needs to review the issue.

A report last week by a VCU committee determined that Monroe earned only 6 credit hours instead of the required 30 at the university before he received the degree, and that he met only about half of the program's academic requirements.

But the school concluded that a small group of administrators and faculty are to blame, and that they found no evidence Monroe did anything wrong.

Monroe, who began work in Charlotte in June, has repeatedly declined to discuss details of his interactions with VCU staff. He said previously he met with a VCU administrator in late 2006 to find out what he had to do to earn a degree and that he followed her advice. He said he believes he has earned his degree. The executive director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia said Tuesday he does not see a need for the council's involvement.

District Attorney & CMPD Teaming Up

News 14 Carolina is reporting that Mecklenburg County District Attorney Peter Gilchrist is teaming his office up with patrol officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

On Tuesday, CMPD chief Rodney Monroe told the Charlotte City Council that he and Gilchrist talked about a pilot program to pair assistant district attorneys with two patrol divisions, but Gilchrist wouldn't elaborate when, or if, any possible changes would take place.

"We really need a high level of information on cases that we are taking to trial and prosecuting, so it creates somewhat of a disconnect but I'm sure it's something that both of us will be working on," he said.

On Saturday, CMPD will start a new organization system that will put more than 90 officers back on patrol. The changes will also merge some specialized units and expand the gang intelligence unit.

It's about time!!!

Chief Monroe Announces Outcome of Hearings for Two Officers

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Chain of Command Review Board has completed its administrative investigation into the incident where Officer J.S. Curlee discharged her firearm on May 6, 2008. The shooting in this incident occurred after Officer J.S. Curlee responded to a request from an ABC officer for a back up at 1920 Central Avenue at approximately 6:25 p.m.

After a thorough review of the evidence, the Board determined that the shooting was not justified. On July 14, 2008, Officer J.S. Curlee's employment with the Charlotte – Mecklenburg Police Department was terminated. Officer Curlee was a probationary police officer who graduated from the Police Academy in November 2007. (Read More)
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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Chain of Command Review Board has completed its administrative investigation into the March 20, 2008 incident that ended in the death of Darryl Wayne Turner. The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner determined Mr. Turner's death was caused by "Acute Ventricular Dysrhythmia, Agitated State, Stress and Use of Conducted Energy Weapon Device (Taser)".

After a thorough review of the evidence, the Board determined that the initial decision to discharge the TASER was within our procedures, but the prolonged use of the TASER was not. Officer Dawson has been suspended for five days and he will receive additional training concerning the use of the TASER. The Department is currently reviewing its policies and procedures concerning the TASER. (Read More)

New CMPD Chief Monroe Takes Office Today

Marvette Monroe holds their family Bible while City Clerk Brenda Freeze adminsters the Oath of Office to CMPD's newest Chief of Police, Rodney Monroe. (Photo: CMPD)

CMPD's newest Chief of Police, Rodney Monroe, took his Oath of Office this morning in a small ceremony at Police Headquarters. He started his first day meeting with deputy chiefs Ken Miller and David Graham and will hold his first meeting with his Command Staff this afternoon. This meeting will include captains, majors, deputy chiefs and managers of various divisions within the department.

Chief Monroe comes to Charlotte from Richmond, VA where he was the chief for the last three years. Prior to that, he served as the chief of the Macon, GA police department and spent 22 years with the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department where he rose to the rank of assistant chief.

Rodney Monroe Named as new CMPD Chief of Police

Charlotte City Manager Curt Walton announced today that Rodney Monroe will be the new Chief of Police for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

According to the CMPD Press Release, Monroe embodies the qualities and characteristics identified in the profile developed for the next Chief of Police.

These included: 1) Offering the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg aggressive and effective leadership and programming needed to address potential increases in crime rates. 2) A strong commitment to customer service 3) Dedication to policing that involves the community. 4) Understanding of the importance in managing crime, public order and traffic safety issues.

When City of Charlotte officials conducted a site visit in Richmond, VA, they were consistently informed by citizens, business and civic leaders that they have the highest degree of respect and admiration for Chief Rodney Monroe. His talents, skills and attributes include being a team player, inclusively, high-integrity, building rapport with citizens, intelligence, collaboration, promoting change, accessibility and toughness when necessary.

Monroe began his policing career in 1979 as a police officer with the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, rising to Assistant Chief of Police, the department’s second highest sworn rank. In May 2001, he became Chief of Police for the Macon, Georgia Police Department and in 2005 was recruited to the City of Richmond to lead the Richmond Police Department.

As Police Chief of the Richmond Police Department, he created a dedicated homicide unit and started the Cooperative Violence Reduction Partnership (CVRP) with prosecutable and correctional agencies. During his tenure as Chief the number of homicides in Richmond decreased by 33%. (Side Note: He responds to each and every homicide scene) and Richmond was no longer on the list of top five cities with the highest murder rate during his tenure, representing a 26-year all time low.

“The chance to be the next Chief of Police of Charlotte-Mecklenburg is one of a lifetime, says Rodney Monroe. “I have admired all that Charlotte has accomplished and respected CMPD from afar, and now I have the opportunity to take a great organization to the next level creating an even safer community for citizens.”

Chief Monroe will begin his position here in Charlotte no later than June 16, 2008.

City Manager Selects Finalists for Chief of Police

Reminder: The public is invited to attend a public forum to meet and address all three candidates on Tuesday, May 13th at the Blake Hotel @ 555 S. McDowell Street. A candidate reception starts at 6 pm- immediately followed by individual candidate forums.

City Manager Curt Walton announced today that three finalists from a candidate pool of 47 applicants have been selected for consideration as the next Chief of Police for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

The Chief of Police serves as the leader and director of CMPD, which has been recognized as a national leader and innovator in policing. The Police Chief leads a department of more than 2,100 employees, with 1,638 sworn officers and 468 civilian positions, and manages a $174 million budget. CMPD has focused efforts on making Charlotte-Mecklenburg a safer place by establishing problem-solving partnerships and expanding police services.

Finalists were recruited and selected through a comprehensive process managed by The Waters Consulting Group that included national advertising and Web site recruitment page in addition to public input into the development of a Police Chief profile; focus groups with CMPD Command Staff, community and business leaders; elected officials surveys; assessments; panel interviews and site visits.

With experience ranging from 22 years to 28 years in policing, law enforcement, administration, operations and technology, the finalists for CMPD Chief of Police are:

• Deputy Chief Jerry Sennett, Deputy Chief of CMPD: a consolidated city-county department, he is responsible for several different divisions, including Support Services and Field Services. Sennett supervises service area majors, who oversee such specialized units as the Transit Policing Unit, Special Events, Secondary Employment and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Law Enforcement. He implemented COMPSTAT, a system for managing police operations by pinpointing locations, methods and perpetrators of crime, allowing CMPD to improve service throughout its 13 patrol districts. Sennett was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2004. He joined CMPD in 1979.
  
• Deputy Police Chief Alan Dreher, Atlanta Police Department: Dreher is responsible for the daily operations of the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the State of Georgia. Since 2002, he has managed the Criminal Investigations Division, Field Operations, Support Services, the Division of Taxicabs and Vehicles for Hire and the Field Inspections Section. Prior to working in Atlanta, he served 23 years with the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department where he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief, during which he was responsible for police service at Capitol Hill, The White House, and the Downtown District.
  
• Police Chief Rodney Monroe, Richmond Police Department: Since 2004, Monroe has served as Police Chief of the City of Richmond where he created a dedicated homicide unit and started the Cooperative Violence Reduction Partnership (CVRP) with prosecutorial and correctional agencies. During his tenure as Police Chief, homicides were reduced by 33 percent. He began his policing career in 1979 as a police officer with the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department, rising to Assistant Chief of Police, the department’s second highest sworn rank. He also served as Chief of Police in Macon, GA for five years.

The new Chief of Police will be named before June 1, 2008.