Charlotte residents may soon see a private police force patrolling sidewalks adjacent to public transit facilities.

The company, Professional Police Services, would have authority to enforce federal, state and local laws, including authority to make arrests and issue citations.

Patrols could begin immediately if City Council approves a resolution at its Sept. 22 business meeting.

Why it matters: The proposal comes a month after the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on the LYNX Blue Line train. The incident prompted a federal investigation and fueled accusations that the city’s Democratic leaders are “soft on crime.”

Professional Police Services is currently contracted with the city to provide “comprehensive security services” across the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) network.

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