Charlotte City Council approves enhanced light rail security with greater jurisdiction

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) — Security officers on Charlotte’s public transit system are expanding their jurisdiction following the deadly stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on the Blue Line last month.

The Charlotte City Council voted unanimously Monday night to allow officers to operate and patrol in areas around transit centers and along the rail trail between station platforms. Mayor Vi Lyles said Zarutska’s murder remains top of mind for the council during the routine invocation before their meeting.

Several on the council argued that more can be done, including interim District 6 representative Edwin Peacock.

He said the Charlotte Area Transit System needs to do a better job of communicating to riders how trains and buses are being secured.

CATS contracts with Professional Police Services Inc., a private company that employs many ex-Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers.

“I’d saw somebody with handcuffs and what looked like mace, maybe a billystick, I couldn’t tell, again, ‘Who’s in charge here?’ and I think that’s the part where we need real clarity from you guys… like give me some confidence this is going to change,” said Peacock.

His comments followed lengthy public comments during which several Charlotte residents told the council they were afraid to take a bus or light rail in the wake of the violent murder near the East/West Station in South End.

“I’ve always had to be cautious on the train, but now, because of what happened to Iryna, I can never sit on the train with a stranger behind me,” said NoDa resident Hallie Pister.

CATS officials told the council they are currently reviewing communication strategies to ensure the public has a better understanding of what is being done to maintain a safe rider experience. The changes take effect immediately.

On Tuesday, House lawmakers in Raleigh are expected to take up Iryna’s law, legislation that promises to reform the bail system and restore North Carolina’s use of the death penalty, a sentence that has been paused due to ongoing legal battles.