An investigation into the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has revealed a significant reduction in armed security personnel on its light rail system. This decrease comes despite a substantial increase in the agency's security contract costs. The findings are detailed in a preliminary report from the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor.
The audit was initiated following a stabbing incident on the light rail on August 22, when no security was present on board. This report addresses growing public concerns about the safety of riding CATS services.
Key Takeaways
- Armed security on CATS light rail has fallen by at least 40% since 2018.
- The total number of armed positions decreased from 68 to 39.
- CATS' security contract value has more than tripled, from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million by 2025.
- The audit criticized the city for using DEI criteria in awarding the security contract.
- The city argues total security personnel, including unarmed staff, has increased.
Armed Security Presence Declines
The state audit highlights a notable decrease in the number of armed security positions within the Charlotte Area Transit System. According to the report, armed security personnel have dropped by at least 40% since 2018. In 2018, CATS had at least 68 armed positions out of 108 total security roles. Currently, there are only 39 armed positions out of a total of 219 security roles.
This reduction means CATS does not have enough armed personnel to guard all 48 of its train cars simultaneously. The audit specifically emphasizes this shortfall as a critical safety concern for riders.
Security Numbers
- 2018: 68 armed positions (out of 108 total)
- Current: 39 armed positions (out of 219 total)
- Reduction: At least 40% fewer armed positions
Escalating Contract Costs
While the number of armed guards has decreased, the financial outlay for CATS' security services has surged. The value of CATS' security contract has more than tripled in a short period. It increased from $5.9 million in 2022 to an projected $18.4 million in 2025. This significant cost increase raises questions about the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of current security arrangements.
The audit scrutinizes this disparity, pointing out that higher costs have not translated into a greater armed presence. This situation directly impacts public perception of safety on the transit system.
"The safety of the citizens of Charlotte needs to be first and foremost when security decisions are being made," said Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek in a press release.
Contract Award Process Under Scrutiny
A contentious point in the audit is the process by which CATS awarded its security contract. The report criticizes the city for allowing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) priorities and "partisan motives" to influence the selection of the security provider. In 2023, when CATS first contracted with its current provider, Professional Security Services (PSS), it limited bids to firms owned by minorities, women, and small businesses.
Auditors stated that this limitation "functionally excluded other qualified vendors who could have provided security for CATS riders." State Auditor Dave Boliek expressed concern that using a "DEI checkbox raises questions as to whether politics has taken priority over public safety."
Background on DEI Policies
DEI initiatives aim to promote fair representation and inclusion for various groups. In public contracting, these policies sometimes include set-asides or preferences for businesses owned by minorities, women, or other underrepresented groups. The audit suggests that in this specific instance, such policies may have inadvertently limited competition for a critical public safety service.
City's Response to the Audit
The City of Charlotte has responded to the audit's findings, defending its approach. The city argued that the report implies PSS is not qualified but fails to offer specific evidence to support this claim. City officials also highlighted PSS's past experience, noting that the firm provided security for President Trump during his first presidential campaign.
Furthermore, the city emphasized that the total number of security personnel, including unarmed positions, has increased significantly. In 2018, there were 108 total security positions. This number has risen to 219 currently. Mayor Vi Lyles signed a letter stating, "CATS increased security personnel by over 100%. CATS goal was to significantly increase presence of security personnel through the transit system."
However, the audit points out that as of early September, PSS only had 186 positions staffed, indicating a gap between planned and actual staffing levels.
Political Dimensions and Future Actions
The state audit and its findings have contributed to ongoing political discussions in Charlotte. State Auditor Boliek is among several Republican figures who have criticized the city's Democratic leadership in the weeks following the light rail stabbing incident. A congressional committee visited Charlotte earlier this week for a field hearing, where Republican representatives voiced strong disapproval of Charlotte's "weak leadership" and "soft-on-crime" policies.
Boliek has also launched an investigation into Charlotte's government after it provided police chief Johnny Jennings with a six-figure settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit. These events underscore a broader political environment surrounding public safety and governance in the city.
CATS is expected to announce new security enhancements in the near future. A press conference, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was rescheduled for later in the week following the release of the state audit. This announcement is anticipated to outline specific measures designed to address the security concerns raised by the report and the public.
- The audit raises questions about the balance between DEI goals and public safety in government contracts.
- The city maintains that overall security presence has increased, despite fewer armed guards.
- Political leaders have amplified concerns about the city's approach to public safety.
