Charlotte-Mecklenburg police released an internal review of 2004-2008 pursuits that shows the overwhelming majority were justified and 23 percent resulted in a collision.
The review came after Councilman Michael Barnes requested an update during a May 26 meeting. Barnes questioned an incident where Concord police were involved in a pursuit that started in Concord, but resulted in a fatal collision in Charlotte between the suspect and another vehicle.
The report says that in the past 5 years there have been 18 pursuits where another law enforcement agency pursued into CMPD jurisdiction.
These pursuits ended in the following manner: in 6 cases, the suspect fled on foot; in 4 cases, a tire deflation device stopped the suspect; in 4 cases, the suspect stopped voluntarily; in 3 cases, the suspect crashed the vehicle; and in 1 case, the suspect crashed and caused a death.
Click here to read the full report, released Friday.
During that time period, CMPD has had 220 pursuits.
The review shows that of the Charlotte pursuits:
- In 24% the subject eluded the police officer on foot; in 23% of the pursuits the subject vehicle was involved in a collision; in 13% the subject eluded the officer with the vehicle; in 13% the subject stopped voluntarily; in 12% the officer terminated the pursuit; in 9% a police supervisor terminated the pursuit; in 4% a tire deflation device was used to stop a pursuit; and in 1% of the pursuits, the officer was involved in a collision.
The report shows in the last five years, overwhelming percentages (90.5%) of pursuits were justified.
- Doug Miller
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
New monthly stormwater fee: $8.25
That's the new rate for most Charlotte residents starting in July, a 23 cent increase.
Others will either see monthly increases of up to $1.99. Commercial property owners will pay up to $3.75 more an acre.
Click here to see how your monthly bill will change. (Most people are in Tier II).
Here's why about 10 percent of residents will actually see their bills drop:
Even though the Charlotte City Council recently agreed to raise its stormwater fees by 5 percent starting July 1, Mecklenburg County went to a staggered system.
The Mecklenburg fee structure divides all residential accounts into four tiers based on the amount of hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks or patios. The impervious surfaces can lead to flooding in heavy downpours.
The four-tier system, commissioners said, would make the rates more fair and raise fees for those with larger amount of hard surfaces and lowering them for those with less. Davidson also has approved the four-tier structure.
So people with smaller areas of hard surfaces, typically small properties, will see a drop because the county's share of their stormwater bill will more than offset the city hike.
- April Bethea
Others will either see monthly increases of up to $1.99. Commercial property owners will pay up to $3.75 more an acre.
Click here to see how your monthly bill will change. (Most people are in Tier II).
Here's why about 10 percent of residents will actually see their bills drop:
Even though the Charlotte City Council recently agreed to raise its stormwater fees by 5 percent starting July 1, Mecklenburg County went to a staggered system.
The Mecklenburg fee structure divides all residential accounts into four tiers based on the amount of hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks or patios. The impervious surfaces can lead to flooding in heavy downpours.
The four-tier system, commissioners said, would make the rates more fair and raise fees for those with larger amount of hard surfaces and lowering them for those with less. Davidson also has approved the four-tier structure.
So people with smaller areas of hard surfaces, typically small properties, will see a drop because the county's share of their stormwater bill will more than offset the city hike.
- April Bethea
Thursday, June 18, 2009
No references for laid-off teachers?
Teachers who have lost their jobs at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have been complaining that the district won't even let their principals provide references for them.
Actually, they can, but they have to follow a carefully prescribed process, with CMS's Human Resources department signing off on everything that principals write.
The following memo was sent to all principals on May 11. A little context first: While some teachers were targeted for layoffs because they got subpar job evaluations, others are viewed as excellent by colleagues, students, parents -- even Superintendent Peter Gorman and school board members who know them.
They've been cut because their circumstances fit certain layoff criteria; for instance, part-timers, retirees and teachers who were working on end-of-year contracts.
Here's the reference memo (for those not used to CMS terms, "learning communities" are the seven administrative offices that oversee groups of schools):
Dear CMS Principals,
These are difficult times for all CMS employees—especially those who have been affected by the reduction in force ( RIF). Many principals have inquired about the board policy related to providing letters of reference. The policy does allow staff to provide letters of reference.
However, it is important to remember that you are not required to provide a letter of reference—it is strictly voluntary. There are specific guidelines that must be followed in order to be in compliance with the policy.
Board policy GBJC says that all requests for employee references are to be coordinated with Human Resources before responding to such inquiries. Below is the process for providing a reference to employees affected by the reduction in force.
The reference letter must be prepared in collaboration with your learning community HR manager, who will provide a template and final review of the reference letter before it is forwarded to any third party. A final copy of the letter must be sent to the HR manager, who will keep it on file;
The reference letter must be in response to a written request from an employee who has been terminated (or has received notice of termination) as a result of the district's current reduction in force process;
The written request from the employee must identify the person who will receive the reference letter; do not provide a "to whom it may concern" letter;
The reference letter must be true and accurate and match your most recent written evaluation of the employee;
The reference letter should not give personal opinions or feelings; if you make subjective statements or give opinions because they are requested, clearly identify them as opinion;
The reference letter must respond only to specific inquiries; do not volunteer information.
These guidelines are in place to protect everyone involved. These employees deserve a credible reference and an efficient process. If you have any questions please contact your learning community HR manager.
- Ann Doss Helms
Actually, they can, but they have to follow a carefully prescribed process, with CMS's Human Resources department signing off on everything that principals write.
The following memo was sent to all principals on May 11. A little context first: While some teachers were targeted for layoffs because they got subpar job evaluations, others are viewed as excellent by colleagues, students, parents -- even Superintendent Peter Gorman and school board members who know them.
They've been cut because their circumstances fit certain layoff criteria; for instance, part-timers, retirees and teachers who were working on end-of-year contracts.
Here's the reference memo (for those not used to CMS terms, "learning communities" are the seven administrative offices that oversee groups of schools):
Dear CMS Principals,
These are difficult times for all CMS employees—especially those who have been affected by the reduction in force ( RIF). Many principals have inquired about the board policy related to providing letters of reference. The policy does allow staff to provide letters of reference.
However, it is important to remember that you are not required to provide a letter of reference—it is strictly voluntary. There are specific guidelines that must be followed in order to be in compliance with the policy.
Board policy GBJC says that all requests for employee references are to be coordinated with Human Resources before responding to such inquiries. Below is the process for providing a reference to employees affected by the reduction in force.
The reference letter must be prepared in collaboration with your learning community HR manager, who will provide a template and final review of the reference letter before it is forwarded to any third party. A final copy of the letter must be sent to the HR manager, who will keep it on file;
The reference letter must be in response to a written request from an employee who has been terminated (or has received notice of termination) as a result of the district's current reduction in force process;
The written request from the employee must identify the person who will receive the reference letter; do not provide a "to whom it may concern" letter;
The reference letter must be true and accurate and match your most recent written evaluation of the employee;
The reference letter should not give personal opinions or feelings; if you make subjective statements or give opinions because they are requested, clearly identify them as opinion;
The reference letter must respond only to specific inquiries; do not volunteer information.
These guidelines are in place to protect everyone involved. These employees deserve a credible reference and an efficient process. If you have any questions please contact your learning community HR manager.
- Ann Doss Helms
Audit: DSS mishandled Social Security money
Mecklenburg County officials paid for "various programs" out of an account for recipients of Social Security benefits, according to an audit of the Department of Social Services.
The practice, auditors say, is a violation of Social Security Administration regulations.
According to the report:
"The non-guardianship expenditures made from the account are an inappropriate use of the guardianship funds and may be in violation of North Carolina general statutes."
Click here to read the full audit of cash receipts and disbursements.
In response, county officials say they have changed their use of the account.
Officials say effective March 31, "Only expenses related to Social Security guardian funds are expended from the Social Security account."
Click here to read the full response from Mecklenburg County.
DSS Director Mary Wilson, who took over in July 2008, ordered the audit after learning earlier this year about accounting irregularities in a charity program. Read more about the report in today's story, "Audit reveals more DSS problems."
The county paid $93,000 to Cherry, Bakaert & Holland, which studied records from July 1, 2007 through March 31 of this year.
- Fred Clasen Kelly
The practice, auditors say, is a violation of Social Security Administration regulations.
According to the report:
"The non-guardianship expenditures made from the account are an inappropriate use of the guardianship funds and may be in violation of North Carolina general statutes."
Click here to read the full audit of cash receipts and disbursements.
In response, county officials say they have changed their use of the account.
Officials say effective March 31, "Only expenses related to Social Security guardian funds are expended from the Social Security account."
Click here to read the full response from Mecklenburg County.
DSS Director Mary Wilson, who took over in July 2008, ordered the audit after learning earlier this year about accounting irregularities in a charity program. Read more about the report in today's story, "Audit reveals more DSS problems."
The county paid $93,000 to Cherry, Bakaert & Holland, which studied records from July 1, 2007 through March 31 of this year.
- Fred Clasen Kelly
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Concord police chase: 'He hit head on'
A transcript of radio traffic between Concord officers and headquarters shows how a police pursuit turned deadly.
Chief Merl Hamilton released the document Wednesday.
Hamilton said an internal Concord Police investigation cleared several officers involved in a high speed chase May 22 from Concord Mills mall to Mallard Creek Road in Charlotte.
Fleeing suspect Demario Rollins, 18, crashed head-on into 84-year-old Docia Barber who was returning from a trip to the pharmacy. She died at ther scene. Rollins is charged with second-degree murder.
The transcript describes the initial shoplifting call about a woman taking shoes from Finish Line and how officers tracked a car believed to be involved in the theft.
Click here to read the transcript.
- Christopher D. Kirkpatrick
Chief Merl Hamilton released the document Wednesday.
Hamilton said an internal Concord Police investigation cleared several officers involved in a high speed chase May 22 from Concord Mills mall to Mallard Creek Road in Charlotte.
Fleeing suspect Demario Rollins, 18, crashed head-on into 84-year-old Docia Barber who was returning from a trip to the pharmacy. She died at ther scene. Rollins is charged with second-degree murder.
The transcript describes the initial shoplifting call about a woman taking shoes from Finish Line and how officers tracked a car believed to be involved in the theft.
Click here to read the transcript.
- Christopher D. Kirkpatrick
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Iranian protestor on Twitter: 'We need help'
The messaging service has become one of the most reliable sources of information coming out of Iran, where hundreds of thousands of people are protesting the disputed presidential election.A post from this morning:
"@leiyers call frm student (Mazandaran Uni): "We R abt 1200 uni student locked in uni by ahmadi's Militia. We need help." #iranelectionless than 10 seconds ago from web
The following Twitter accounts have been among the most active in sending live updates:
http://twitter.com/lotfan
http://twitter.com/Change_for_Iran
http://twitter.com/madyar
http://twitter.com/mousavi1388
http://twitter.com/persiankiwi
The New York Times reports that "Iranians are blogging, posting to Facebook and, most visibly, coordinating their protests on Twitter, the messaging service. Their activity has increased, not decreased, since the presidential election on Friday and ensuing attempts by the government to restrict or censor their online communications."
The photograph above is from The New York Times, showing Iranians who support presidential opposition candidate Mir Hussein Moussavi.
- Lindsay Ruebens
Friday, June 12, 2009
Smith principal: Immersion teachers to stay
Smith Language Academy Principal Ynez Olshausen today sent this email to families of students at the magnet school:
Friday, June 12, 2009 1:45 PM
Dear Smith Academy Parents and Families,
This week the names of 12 Smith Academy language immersion teachers appeared on a non-renewal list published in the Charlotte Observer, apparently in error.
Our Human Resources department has determined that the names were generated because these teachers - and teachers at other CMS schools as well - were on H-1B visas or green cards. CMS will continue visa sponsorship for teachers on the H-1B visa, and they are not being non-renewed. Teachers who already have Green Cards are expected to return as full time teachers in the fall as well.
Our HR staff is getting in contact with our teachers to relieve some anxiety they have been feeling. Unfortunately, the HR staff member who takes such good care of our international teachers, Ms. Coston, was unaware that these teachers had been submitted for non-renewal until today.
The HR staff is so sorry for this, and assured us that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools anticipates their return for the upcoming school year. These teachers will receive contracts. CMS Communications is talking with the Observer and the media.
Thanks to all of you for your support and concern. Knowing that parents and families stand behind them meant so much to our teachers! Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns.
Schönes Wochenende, bon weekend!
Ynez Olshausen
An Observer reporter contacted a CMS spokesperson Friday regarding the error. The spokesperson confirmed that the list released by CMS of non-renewals for Smith Language Academy is incorrect. CMS, the spokesperson said, would release official corrections to the Smith list and for any other schools on Monday.
- Doug Miller
Friday, June 12, 2009 1:45 PM
Dear Smith Academy Parents and Families,
This week the names of 12 Smith Academy language immersion teachers appeared on a non-renewal list published in the Charlotte Observer, apparently in error.
Our Human Resources department has determined that the names were generated because these teachers - and teachers at other CMS schools as well - were on H-1B visas or green cards. CMS will continue visa sponsorship for teachers on the H-1B visa, and they are not being non-renewed. Teachers who already have Green Cards are expected to return as full time teachers in the fall as well.
Our HR staff is getting in contact with our teachers to relieve some anxiety they have been feeling. Unfortunately, the HR staff member who takes such good care of our international teachers, Ms. Coston, was unaware that these teachers had been submitted for non-renewal until today.
The HR staff is so sorry for this, and assured us that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools anticipates their return for the upcoming school year. These teachers will receive contracts. CMS Communications is talking with the Observer and the media.
Thanks to all of you for your support and concern. Knowing that parents and families stand behind them meant so much to our teachers! Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns.
Schönes Wochenende, bon weekend!
Ynez Olshausen
An Observer reporter contacted a CMS spokesperson Friday regarding the error. The spokesperson confirmed that the list released by CMS of non-renewals for Smith Language Academy is incorrect. CMS, the spokesperson said, would release official corrections to the Smith list and for any other schools on Monday.
- Doug Miller
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