The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance recently hosted a panel discussion on public safety, bringing together members of the North Carolina General Assembly and the business community. District Attorney Spencer Merriweather moderated the conversation, which featured Representatives John Bradford and Terry Brown, and Senators Mujtaba Mohammed and Brad Overcash.
The panelists highlighted recent key public safety legislation, notably the Pretrial Integrity Act. The law, championed by Rep. Bradford and supported by the CLT Alliance, outlines offenses that will now require a judge’s decision, rather than a magistrate’s, to set the conditions for pretrial release for certain crimes. Bradford noted the collaborative efforts made in advancing this legislation stating that the bill ‘came directly from people on the ground.’ Additionally, Brown highlighted that the passage of this act ensured decision-making was in the hands of the right individuals – judges, who are directly accountable to the public.
The group also discussed resource allocation for public safety offices. Having adequate resources for staffing is critical to recruiting and retaining talent in the District Attorney’s office. Overcash emphasized the urgency of investing in prosecutorial resources, such as locality pay, to address staff shortages and improve public safety outcomes.
Addressing the concerning rise in juvenile crime, the group discussed the juvenile justice system and the need to allocate comprehensive resources to the juvenile population. Mohammed emphasized the importance of investing in the state’s young residents, urging the business community to participate through numerous avenues including after-school resources and career and technical programs.
The group concluded the conversation with a focus on retail theft. Recent legislation passed by the General Assembly aims to heighten penalties for retail theft, addressing the rise of organized retail crime and safeguarding both retailers and consumers. Bradford urged businesses to collaborate with law enforcement, emphasizing the need for retailers to prosecute these offenses.
The panel collectively emphasized the vital role that the business community plays in promoting public safety, emphasizing the collective efforts of the business community are crucial for maintaining safety and fostering growth in the Charlotte region.
