WCNC, CHARLOTTE, NC - Charlotte City Council will consider a proposal Monday night that could expand the jurisdiction of private police agencies patrolling Charlotte Area Transit System's (CATS) property.
Professional Police Services (PPS) - the company already providing security for the light rail, buses, and stations in Charlotte- could soon be authorized to enforce laws beyond city-owned transit property.
The city has faced public pressure to increase security after the deadly stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on the Blue Line bus on Aug.22.
Mayor Vi Lyles and CATS leadership announced a new wave of security measures this month, including redeploying officers to train platforms and adding more patrols at high-traffic transit hubs.
CATS Interim CEO Brent Cagle said the added security is meant to make riders feel safer.
"You may not see them, but they are watching over you as a rider, and all riders have the ability to request help through our app, through 911," Cagle said.
The city council will vote on the expansion of the authority's jurisdiction at 5:30 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.
The proposal seeks to expand PPS officers to cover sidewalks and areas around the city transit centers, including the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC), East Trade Street and the Rail Trail.
Charlotte City Council to vote on expanding private police authority around transit hubs
Charlotte City Council votes Monday night on expanding transit police powers beyond stations, a month after the Blue Line stabbing and new safety upgrades.
