Private security may get expanded authority on Charlotte transit property

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte City Council may give CATS’ private security more authority to make arrests and issue citations on and around transit property.

It comes on the one-month anniversary of the light rail stabbing that killed Iryna Zarutska.

If approved, councilors would give Professional Security Services more authority on and around transit property.

We met Ira Jackson at the Rosa Parks Transit Center. This is one of several areas where PSS may get more authority – specifically on the sidewalks along Beatties Ford Road and Rosa Parks Place.

“Yeah, I think that’s a great idea because sometimes I feel that people kind of party a great deal on the bench while I’m waiting, but I don’t want to do that,” Jackson said. “I’d rather there be somebody here to say hey, you gotta move because, say for instance, the cops come? They may think I’m part of that crowd, and I’m surely not.”

The Charlotte Transit Center is another spot that could see expanded coverage. That’s where we met bus rider Raheim Leggette.

“That’s definitely a good thing,” Leggette said. “I feel great that they’re making a community about trying to make it a safer place, a safer environment for the people.”

Under the agreement, PSS would be able to enforce federal, local, and state laws. In addition, they could make arrests and issue citations. This includes expanded security perimeters around the transit centers already mentioned and the Eastland Transit Center, plus the entire Rail Trail.

“I don’t have to worry about violence around me because you might have some people you might encounter, guys with mental health issues, mental problems or it may be just somebody having a bad day, you know? You never know,” Leggette said.

The Charlotte City Council is set to meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday to discuss this, among other agenda items.

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