National Night Out is Coming... Is your Community Ready?

What is National Night Out?

It's America's Night Out Against Crime!

The "29th Annual National Night Out" (NNO) is a unique crime/drug prevention event that is scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, 2012.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

If your community would like to become involved in National Night Out, refer to http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/index.html or contact your CMPD Division Office.

RESOURCES:
- Invitation Template
- Kids Activity Sheet
- Neighbor Sign-Up Sheet
- Neighbor Trade Info Sheets

'Cops 4 The Cure' Team Up with "Pink Lady" for Fire Truck Pull

'Cops 4 The Cure' will provide a tailored response and support to individuals dealing with cancer themselves or those providing care to someone close to them.   They are in the very beginning stages of organizing to help deal with the needs of those they will be assisting. 

COPS 4 the CURE is teaming with the
CFD “Fight to Extinguish” Organization
on a “Pink Lady” Fire Truck Pull!!

Date - Sunday July 29th
Time:  1:00pm
900 Block of Hamilton Street
(NC Music Factory Area)
**  Go to website to Register and for more details)

- Website
- Facebook

Gunfire Detection Technology Approved by City Council

At Monday night's meeting, the Charlotte City Council voted unanimously to bring the ShotSpotter technology to Charlotte, NC.  CMPD thinks it will improve public safety and give officers better information to help them solve crimes quickly.  It is unknown where in the city this technology will be used and it will not be ready by the time the DNC is here.

The ShotSpotter Gunfire Detection System uses sound acoustics to pinpoint where gunfire comes from and costs $50,000 for a one-year test period.

How the DNC will Change Court & Police Schedules

As the DNC (Democratic National Convention) is occurring in Charlotte September 3rd-7th, we can expect to see a lot of changes.  Some of those changes involve the Mecklenburg County court system and local law enforcement.  So far, here is what has been announced:

•  The Mecklenburg County Courthouse will be open during the week of the Democratic National Convention in September, but only a few courtrooms will be operating. There won’t be any criminal trials during the week of Sept. 3-7. 
• Police will be busy providing security when an estimated 35,000 people (including delegates, protesters and 15,000 journalists are expected to descend on Charlotte.
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and most of the other local law enforcement agencies will begin “12 hours on and 12 hours off” shifts on Aug. 29, according to court officials.  The shifts “will have an impact on the trial courts as well as pre-trial readiness conferences in administrative court.” officials said in announcing the courthouse schedule during the week of the DNC.  Mecklenburg Chief District Judge Lisa Bell told the Observer that the only trials that will be held that week will be civil domestic violence cases.
• Among courtroom proceedings that will be operating: first-appearance hearings, bond hearings for criminal domestic violence cases, felony probation, probable cause and bond hearings, juvenile detention hearings and bond hearings for anyone arrested in connection with child support.
• The clerk’s and trial court administrator’s offices will be open for business as normal the week of Sept. 3, court officials said. The courthouse, will be closed Sept. 3 for the Labor Day holiday but court officials will be holding a special session of court for first appearance hearings.  Access to the courthouse will be limited to the main entrance at McDowell and Fourth streets.  The Fourth Street parking deck will remain open and accessible to court personnel and the public during the entire week.

FBI: Crimes Against Children Campaign in Charlotte, NC

You may have noticed some new billboards around town.  The FBI has official brought it's "Crimes Against Children" campaign to Charlotte, NC. 


The billboards are part of a national campaign to end crime against children... kidnappings, sexual abuse, violent attacks, child prostitution, etc. 

As always, if you witness any type of crime against a child, dial 911 immediately.  If you have a tip for the Charlotte FBI, please call 704-672-6100.

Traffic Citations in Mecklenburg County- Information

Over 175,000 traffic cases are prosecuted in Mecklenburg County every year. In order to ease the burden this volume of cases puts on the court system, the District Attorney's Office provides a few methods to address your traffic charge prior to your court date.

Throughout each work day, an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) periodically staffs a station open to the public. This station is located on the second floor of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse in the Clerk's Office. The DA desk is to the far right of the clerks' windows. The ADA at this station can reduce speeding tickets and dismiss compliance cases when proof of compliance is provided and if the compliance has been achieved in a timely manner (some examples of compliance cases are expired registration, no inspection, and no proof of insurance). The ADA at this station can NOT move future court dates. In some instances, if you have missed your court date, the ADA may be able to re-set the case.

Defendants charged with traffic cases may also choose to use the online MeckTrafficTickets system to facilitate a negotiated plea to a minor speeding case or a dismissal of a compliance case. The MeckTrafficTickets website is maintained by the county.

Due to the high volume of traffic cases, the District Attorney's Office is unable to discuss cases or negotiate pleas over the telephone. Please use one of the methods described above or simply come to court on your given court date and you will be able to speak to an ADA about your case.

★ Changes Coming to CinC ★

Awesome new changes are coming to the Crime In Charlotte blog in the next month or so!  The blog will be completely re-designed to make viewing features and news easier than ever.  Make sure you bookmark us today and keep checking back to see a whole NEW site!!!  You will love it!

Useful NC Crime & Justice Links

Administrative Office of the Courts This website, www.nccourts.org, is maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and contains information about all courts in the State of North Carolina and also posts court dockets. Further, you may lookup a court date by defendant's name.

Law Enforcement Agencies
ATF
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police
Cornelius Police
Davidson Police
DEA
FBI
Huntersville Police
Johnson C. Smith University Police
Matthews Police
Mecklenburg County Sheriff
Mint Hill Police
NC Alcohol Law Enforcement
NC State Bureau of Investigation
NC State Highway Patrol
Pineville Police
Queens University of Charlotte Police
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Police

Government Agencies or Lawmakers
City of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
State of North Carolina
--NC General Assembly
--NC General Statutes
--NC Department of Public Safety
--NC Department of Justice

Inmate Lookup
Federal (Federal Bureau of Prisons)
State (North Carolina Department of Correction)
County (Mecklenburg County Sheriff)

Other:
North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys
North Carolina School of Government | Criminal Law
North Carolina State Bar
Mecklenburg County Bar

Domestic Violence Resources in Charlotte, NC

Victim Information - Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence | Victim Forms | Parking Information

Links:
United Family Services - Domestic Violence Services
704-332-2513
Mecklenburg County Women's Commission - Domestic Violence Services
704-336-3210

Frequently asked questions of domestic violence victims regarding the court process:

Q: Where is the criminal courthouse?
A: See map/directions page.

Q: Will the defendant get out of jail before the trial?
A: The defendant has a bond set by a judge. The defendant can get out of jail by posting the bond.

Q: How can I find out when a defendant is released from jail?
A: There are two webpages that you may wish to review. Access the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's inmate inquiry webpage and/or visit this webpage of the N.C. Department of Public Safety and learn more about their SAVAN program for victim notification. Note: Neither of these webpages or services is associated with the DA's Office. If you have questions or concerns about a defendant's release from jail, you may contact our office at 704-686-0700.

Q: When will there be a trial?
A: The trial date is usually set in courtroom 4130 for a date several weeks after the defendant is arrested.

Q: How will I know the exact trial date?
A: You will be subpoenaed approximately two weeks before the trial date. You may be subpoenaed by phone, mail, or in person. If anyone tells you that the court date has changed, you should contact the DA's Office at 704-686-0700 to confirm that information.

Q: What if I want to dismiss or "drop" the charges?
A: The DA's Office does not dismiss charges at the request of a victim or witness. The Assistant District Attorney (prosecutor) assigned to the courtroom on your court date will make all decisions about whether to proceed with the prosecution of the defendant. You should come to court as subpoenaed and you will then have an opportunity to discuss the matter with the Assistant District Attorney.

Q: What if I don't come to court even though I was subpoenaed?
A: The judge has the authority to issue an order for your arrest and an order for you to show cause as to why you did not appear as directed by the court through the subpoena.

Q: I did not receive (or have lost) a copy of the paperwork sent to me by the DA. How can I get another copy of the Victim Impact Statement that I was asked to complete and return to the DA?
A: Call us at 704-686-0700 and ask to speak to a Domestic Violence Legal Assistant.

Q: What if I have medical bills due to this incident?
A: If you have suffered a physical injury that caused you to have medical expenses or lost wages because of this incident, you may be eligible for compensation from the State of North Carolina through their victim's compensation program. There are requirements and restrictions. You may call 1-800-826-6200 for more information. The DA's Office does not run this program.

Q: I have heard about a program called NOVA. What is it?
A: NOVA is a program that defendants may be ordered to complete as a condition of probation. Learn more about the NOVA program.

Q: The defendant's lawyer, investigator, or other staff member wants to talk to me; do I have to?
A: You do not have to talk to the defense. That is solely your decision. If you decide you want to talk to the defense, be sure to tell the truth.

Q: What if I move or change my telephone number?
A: If you move or change your phone number it is very important that you let the DA's Office know immediately. Call a Domestic Violence Legal Assistant at our office at 704-686-0705 or 704-686-0700.

Q: I want to get a restraining order; what should I do?
A: United Family Services in Charlotte publishes this brochure with information about getting a restraining order. Contact them with further questions. A restraining order is issued in civil court; a DA does not represent you or appear in civil court. The DA prosecutes criminal actions in criminal court. Once you get a restraining order, if the defendant violates the terms of the restraining order, that is a crime and you should contact the police immediately.

Please Help Keep Child Killer Fred Coffey Behind Bars!!!

UPDATE:  In July 2012, convicted child killer Fred Coffey is up for parole again... Please take the time to send an e-mail or letter on Amanda Ray's behalf and help keep Coffey in jail!  ~ Website about Amanda Ray case

----------------------------------------------

Please read the following letter written by the Mother of 10-year old murder victim, Amanda Marie Ray. Please help keep Amanda's murderer behind bars! Please take a minute to write the NC parole board and request Fred Coffey, Jr. be kept behind bars. His parole review is on July 21, 2012 so please get your letters printed and sent ASAP.

Dear Friends,

It is time again for Fred Howard Coffey, Jr. to receive a parole review. As most of you already know, he was convicted of murdering my daughter, Amanda Marie Ray, in 1979.

He was not found and brought to trial until October of 1986 when he was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to death. The NC Supreme Court overturned the death sentence (not the guilty verdict) and he received a re-sentencing hearing in May of 1991. AGAIN, he was given the death sentence. 


Then in September of 1995, due to a technicality, he was re-sentenced.....this time to life in prison. The jury voted 10 to 2 for the death penalty. However, with the two holdouts, the judge had no recourse but to sentence him to life. At the time of the last re-sentencing hearing, the N. C. Court system did not have a life without parole 
option.

As a result, this individual comes up every three years for a parole review. Most of you are familiar with this case. You know that Coffey is a suspect in twelve child murders in five states. He admitted to a psychiatrist that he had molested over 100 children up and down the East coast. Of course, the jury was not privy to this as it was found too prejudicial. However, it is in the transcript of the trial.

He had previously been found guilty and was sentenced to 50 years for molesting his own niece.

Our family would appreciate your taking the time to write the Parole Board on Amanda's behalf.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
Please send a letter to be received prior to Coffey's parole review date of July 21, 2012 to request denial of parole. THE PAROLE BOARD IS REQUIRED TO READ EACH LETTER. All letters are brought to the parole review and stacked in plain sight. They DO make a difference.

- or -

Print the letter provided by the family, sign your name and send to the address below. Please be sure and include Fred Howard Coffey, Jr. and DOC #0081135 on any correspondence.

NC Post Release Supervision & Parole Commission
P.O. Box 29540
Raleigh, NC 27626-0540
RE: Fred Howard Coffey, DOC# 0081135

** Links: Court Documents- Background info on Fred Coffey

* NEW*  Justice for Amanda on Facebook

Sex Offender Registry Links & Info

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY LINKS: 

• NC Sex Offender Registry @ http://sexoffender.ncdoj.gov/disclaimer.aspx 
• National Sex Offender Registry @ http://www.nsopw.gov/Core/Conditions.aspx 
• More Info about the Sex Offender Registry Program @ http://ncdoj.gov/Protect-Yourself/Find-Sex-Offenders/SexOffenderRegPrograms.aspx

CMPD Increasing Security at Speed Street this Year

UPDATE: CMPD's After-Action Report in comments.

After last years' Speed Street fiasco, CMPD stated they are increasing security this year and providing a larger police presence to prevent the repeat of last year's violence, 90+ arrests and to help citizens feel safer to come out to the event, which runs Thursday through Saturday.  (View Speed Street 2012 website)

The extraordinary-event rules will be in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Sunday.  As stated in the Declaration signed by the City Manager, Curt Walton.   The purpose of the Extraordinary Event Ordinance is to allow law enforcement to identify risks or individuals intent on doing harm at a large scale event of national or international significance and/or an event expected to attract a significant number of people to a certain portion of the city.   The ordinance should not affect the normal way of life for law abiding citizens.
Law abiding citizens going about their daily business will not be subject to arrest for simply possessing a prohibited item during and within the boundary of an Extraordinary Event.

Prohibited Items:
Below is a list of items prohibited during an Extraordinary Event. Many of these items are not in and of themselves a weapon. Also there may be times when a person is in possession of these items for a legitimate purpose. Officers will not immediately arrest/cite someone simply because they are in possession of an item. Instead officers will determine whether the person is in possession of an item while going to or from an activity in which that device is used for a legitimate purpose. If so, then the ordinance would not apply and no enforcement action should be taken unless the person actually attempts to use the device as a weapon to injure another person or to damage property.

• Bars, chains, shafts, cables, or plastic pipe capable of inflicting serious injury
• A container or object of sufficient weight that may be used as a projectile, or that contains objects that may be used as a projectile that could inflict serious injury to a person or damage property
• An aerosol container, spray gun or soaker device
• A paint gun, etching materials, spray paint container, liquid paint or marker containing a fluid that is not water soluble
• A backpack, duffle bag, satchel, cooler, or other item carried with the intent to conceal weapons or other prohibited items
• A glass or breakable container capable of being filled with a flammable or dangerous substance carried with the intent to inflict serious injury to a person or damage to property
• A sharp or bladed object such as a box cutter, utility knife, ice pick, or axe
• A hammer or crow bar
• Pepper spray, mace or any other irritant carried with the intent to delay, obstruct or resist the lawful orders of a lawful orders of a law enforcement officer
• Body armor, shield, helmet, protective pads, or gas masks carried or worn with the intent to delay, obstruct or resist the lawful orders of a law enforcement officer
• A mask or scarf worn with the intent to hide one’s identity while committing a crime
• A police scanner
• Rocks, bottles, objects, bricks, or pieces thereof that are of sufficient weight or design as to cause serious injury to a person if thrown at or struck upon another
• A device used to shoot, hurl, or project a missile of any description capable of inflicting serious injury to a person
• A “sock” or “pocket” containing material of sufficient weight as to cause serious injury to a person if thrown or struck upon another
• Fireworks, smoke bombs, sparklers and stink bombs
• An animal unless specifically allowed as a service animal used to assist a person with a disability. However residents will be able to walk their dog within the extraordinary event boundaries without fear of arrest.

CMPD Implements "See Something, Say Something" Campaign

On Monday, May 21, 2012, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and other local and federal agencies joined together to launch the Charlotte-Mecklenburg “See Something, Say Something” campaign to maintain public safety.

Here’s how the campaign works:

• CMPD needs the help the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community by being their eyes and ears not only during large events but each and every day. CMPD solves and prevents crimes daily because of citizen involvement.
• Everyone has a stake in public safety, if something doesn’t feel or seem right, we ask you to call 911 to report the suspicious activity. If you are not sure if you should make the call, please make the call. It’s better to err on the side of caution and have us come and investigate the situation.
• It is critical to note that suspicious activity refers to behavior and not to the people themselves. Race and national origin are not considered suspicious activity. It’s actually seeing an act or something that appears suspicious to you.
• As a city we could not be prouder to be a part of this great program and as a Police Agency, CMPD is counting on you to “See Something and Say Something” by calling 911.

CMPD's 'Firearm by Felon Campaign'

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has launched a program intended to target felons carrying firearms in our community.  The program urges members of the community to call a dedicated phone line and forward anonymous information with the identity and whereabouts of a felon in the possession of a firearm.

The anonymous caller will be eligible for a $500 reward if an arrest is made as a result of their anonymous tip. Additionally, anyone in the public who forwards information leading to the arrest of a person illegally carrying a firearm may be eligible for a cash reward.

During this campaign, the community is asked to call our firearm tip line at 704-336-6000 to speak with a dispatcher.  They will need to give the name and/or detailed description of the suspect, and where the person is at the time of the call.  Callers will not be required to leave their name, number, or address.   Detective Marty Cuthbertson with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers will follow up on the dispositions of these anonymous calls and will arrange a time and date to pay out reward money to the caller when applicable.

National Police Week: Charlotte Events 2012

Events in Charlotte, NC to Celebrate National Police Week:

Thursday May 17, 2012 @ 7:00pm - Palmer Building on 7th Street- Community Relations Committee - Police Community Relations Awards

Friday May 18, 2012 @ 10:30am - Mecklenburg County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service –  Wreath Laying and Procession to First Baptist Church

Saturday May 19, 2012 @ 12pm - 1pm - CMPD Police Memorial Family Day Picnic at the CMPD Police and CFD Fire Academy

Know the Law Before you Shoot!!

In the past week, we've had two occurrences of homeowner's using deadly force to defend themselves.  In one instance, a man was shot and killed.  In the state of NC, we have a 'Castle Doctrine Law', which allows a person to protect themselves, using a gun- IF they feel their lives are in immediate danger.   If you have a gun, please make sure you know the law so you don't end up in jail! 

- Link to .pdf -

Find & Track an Inmate!

Are you the victim of a crime or have a family member or friend in jail or prison?  Following are two links that will help you track a prisoner.  You have the option to sign-up and be notified of moves or releases:

North Carolina & Other States

Federal Inmate Custody Status

CMPD Conducts Speed Trap; Tickets 83 Speeders

In an effort to increase the safety of our roadways, CMPD Officers conducted an aggressive speed enforcement operation along Independence Boulevard between Briar Creek Road and S. Sharon Amity Road on Friday between the hours of 8pm to 4am.

83 people were charged with speeding at the overnight checkpoint. At least one motorist was clocked driving 87 miles per hour.

Police said they made 100 traffic stops during the 6 1/2-hour speed enforcement operation.  Motorists were clocked driving an average of 65 miles-per-hour in the 50 mph zone.  In all, police said they issued a total of 121 charges.

• Speeding charges: 83
• Other Traffic Charges : 32
• Open Container: 1
• Driving with a revoked license: 3
• Seat-belt violation: 1
• Drug Charges: 1

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/08/3158049/83-speeding-charges-at-checkpoint.html#storylink=cpy

Mecklenburg County Jury Duty Service - Online Access

In Mecklenburg County, NC- citizens who are summoned for jury service may access the online interactive juror website at:  https://jury.mecklenburgcountync.gov/Login.aspx

This site was designed to manage the most common requests related to jury service and offers many helpful features for jurors, including the ability to: 

Look up a lost Juror Number ~ Obtain current reporting status or status of a request for deferral or excusal (submitted via website) ~ Access jury service history ~ Verify/update personal data ~ Request a deferral or an excusal ~ Request special assistance ~ Learn about no pay option ~ Request a jury service reminder ~ View and contribute to Employer Honor Roll ~ Complete Pretrial Questionnaire or Exit Questionnaire ~ Print jury service notifications ~ Print Employer Letter or Jury Service Verification Certificate, after jury service concludes

* Go to Mecklenburg County Courts Website
 

Char-Meck: 2012 Criminal Justice Survey Results

* View 2012 Criminal Justice Survey Results *

Mecklenburg County spent $23,000 and hired a firm to interview 501 people who spent an average of 19 minutes on the phone asking them questions about crime and justice in Mecklenburg County. 

Considering the fact that the CMPD is reporting lowered crime rates, it seems Charlotteans still seriously consider crime a problem in Charlotte and worry about crime in day-to-day life.  Most of the respondents believe that crime has increased or stayed the same over the past 3 years.




- View pdf