Charlotte, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina State Auditor’s Office reports a significant decline in armed security personnel for the Charlotte Area Transit System, dropping from 68-88 officers in 2018 to just 39 in 2025. Following the tragic stabbing of a young woman on the light rail, concerns arise about CATS’ security effectiveness and spending, which has surged from $5.9 million in 2022 to an expected $18.4 million in 2025. Investigations into security practices are ongoing, raising questions about priorities in contractor selection.
Charlotte
The North Carolina State Auditor’s Office has released initial findings highlighting a significant reduction in armed security personnel for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), just over a month after the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on the LYNX Blue Line. The report, made public on September 30, 2025, indicates that the number of armed security officers has dropped from between 68 and 88 in 2018 to just 39 in 2025.
The audit follows the tragic incident that occurred on August 22, 2025, for which DeCarlos Brown Jr. has been charged with first-degree murder and a federal transit crime in connection to Zarutska’s death. Furthermore, despite the decrease in armed personnel, CATS’ security expenditure has risen significantly, escalating from $5.9 million in 2022 to a projected $18.4 million in 2025.
The report raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of CATS’ selection process for its private security firm. It notes a problematic emphasis on diversity rules, suggesting that these criteria have led to a prioritization of political considerations over public safety. The City’s request for proposals in 2022 specifically targeted businesses registered with the Charlotte Business Inclusion Program, which has led to criticism regarding possible impacts on security effectiveness.
Following the audit’s release, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles defended the city’s contracting practices, particularly the decision to employ Professional Security Services (PSS) as the security firm. The audit also points out that as of the time of Zarutska’s tragic event, PSS had only filled 186 out of 219 authorized security positions, which raises questions about the adequacy of staffing.
In an alarming finding, it was noted that there were no armed personnel deployed in the three weeks following Zarutska’s stabbing. The city had initially awarded the contract for armed security to Strategic Security Corporation, but that contract was later canceled due to the company’s failure to meet performance requirements. Consequently, PSS ended up managing both armed and unarmed security services.
Moreover, the audit indicates that the Federal Transit Administration is reviewing CATS’ safety plans and is considering withholding federal funds based on the outcomes of this audit. Multiple investigations into CATS’ security protocols are currently underway, including inquiries from the FBI. CATS has acknowledged an increase in overall security staffing and police presence along the Blue Line in response to these concerns; however, there is ongoing scrutiny regarding whether these measures are adequate.
Mayor Lyles has criticized the auditor’s timeline for the report, suggesting that the city was not afforded adequate opportunity to address follow-up questions pertaining to the findings. The final comprehensive report from the auditor’s office is anticipated to be released following further evaluation of this situation.
Key Findings of the Audit:
- Reduction in armed security personnel from 68-88 in 2018 to 39 in 2025.
- Increase in security spending from $5.9 million in 2022 to an expected $18.4 million in 2025.
- Concerns raised about the priorities in the selection process for private security firms.
- Only 186 of 219 authorized security positions filled by PSS by the time of the stabbing.
- No armed personnel on duty in the three weeks following the stabbing incident.
- Multiple investigations into CATS’ security practices are currently ongoing.
FAQ
What were the auditor’s findings regarding CATS’ armed security personnel?
The audit indicates a reduction in CATS’ armed security personnel from between 68 and 88 in 2018 to just 39 in 2025.
How has CATS’ security spending changed?
CATS’ security spending has increased from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million projected for 2025.
What is the current status of investigations into CATS?
Multiple investigations into CATS security practices are underway by various agencies, including the FBI.
What actions have been taken regarding the contracts for security services?
The city awarded the contract for armed security services to Strategic Security Corporation and unarmed services to PSS in 2023. The city later canceled the contract with Strategic Security Corporation for failure to meet performance requirements, leading to PSS handling both armed and unarmed security.
Key Features of CATS Security Audit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reduction in Armed Personnel | From 68-88 in 2018 to 39 in 2025 |
| Security Spending Increase | $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in 2025 |
| Current Staffing Status | 186 of 219 positions filled by PSS |
| Deployment of Armed Officers | No armed personnel in the three weeks following Zarutska’s death |
| Investigations | Ongoing inquiries including from the FBI |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Google Search: Charlotte Area Transit System security
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: transit security
- QC News
- Google News: CATS audit
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