Chief meets with residents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- He had them at "Hello." Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe attended his first community meeting on Charlotte’s east side Wednesday night and was welcomed by a crowd of people happy to see him, ask questions and wish him well.

"We’re behind him 120 percent,” said Vickie Fewell of Shannon Park Neighborhood. “He has a very strong personality.”

The new chief told the crowd that he believes in getting officers on the street.

“I’m a strong advocate for patrols," Monroe said. "I believe that’s where the work gets done.”

Monroe also told the crowd that he believes all branches of law enforcement should be accountable. He encouraged residents to watch the court system and hold it accountable for helping stop crime.

Monroe has been on the job three days and in that time he’s watched firsthand how his officers work.

He showed up at a homicide scene on Tuesday and talked to neighbors and victims. He promised to do it again.

“This being my first, I look to see what the response is and make sure we’re doing what we should be doing,” he said.

Wednesday night’s meeting was the first of many planned meetings and forums for the new chief.