President Worth called the meeting to order at 12:33 p.m. Rick Jackson gave the news of the day. Leiand Park introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians. John Rogers gave the Health and Happiness Report. Al Allison announced that the annual Rotary Scout Show — our 54th year of active sponsorship — will be on May 6, 2000, at the Grady Cole Center. He needs ten to twenty volunteers. Ed Ellis led the singing of "Easter Parade."
     At the Head Table were Jan Thompson, John Tabor, Mac McCarley, Harry Weatherly, and George Thompson, who gave a wonderful invocation.
     Luther Fincher, our Fire Chief, introduced the speaker, Darrell Stephens, our Chief of Police, who spoke on "Crime Prevention in Charlotte-Mecklenburg." In light of the recent zoning controversy, Luther also announced that neither he nor Darrell had anything to do with zoning.
     Darrell thanked us for our warm welcome, and said that he and Sharon, his wife, have been made to feel welcome since their arrival. He praised the community and the city staff. He finds the police officers here to have positive attitudes, unlike some of those found in some other cities.
     Police work is very demanding, and this can sometimes create cynicism. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), however, is very different; the whole attitude of the city is good and is reflected by CMPD. Darrell hopes to continue the good work of the police department in the city.
     The end of 1999 showed the lowest crime rates since 1980. The overall index declined 31%, with violent crimes down 42%; other rates were also lower. 1993 was the peak crime year. Real numbers are also 20% lower in 1999 than in 1993, despite the great population growth.
     He thinks the reason for the decline lies in several areas: (1) The economy has remained strong, with substantial growth and low unemployment levels. There are more people in the workplace than ever before. (2) The number of people in the 16-24 age group has declined; that age group historically has committed or been victims of the most crimes. However, this age group population will again be on the rise for the next five to ten years. (3) The number of prisons has increased, as has the number of beds in the prisons. Repeat offenders have been isolated. (4) There has been an emphasis on neighborhoods and on rebuilding them socially and physically. Habitat houses have made a real difference. There have been many positive efforts. (5) There is a commitment to the solving and policing of community problems, in building up a community partnership — a six-year effort to date. This is a significant departure from past cultures of policing.
     Charlotte is in the upper one-third of crime rates in cities of 250,000 population, yet the number of crimes has reduced in the 1990's.
     How can we continue the decline in the crime rate, especially in light of the projected increase in the 16-24 age group? (1) Help children in poverty to be more successful in school. Most who are in the jails are 9th and 10th grade drop-outs. Help these children to learn to read; by the third grade, all children should be reading at a third-grade level. We must increase our efforts, even if only thirty minutes more per week of helping a child learn how to read. (2) There is an insatiable appetite for drugs. Sixty-five percent of all criminals are involved with drugs. We should focus on prevention and treatment of drugs and continue to give weight to the enforcement side of the problem. Jim Pendergraph has done a wonderful job in his emphasis on treatment at the jails; not many sheriffs do that in this country. (3) We must remedy the imbalance of resources on the prosecutor and court sides. There must be a broad base of support for adequate funding. (4) Continue the good work in the neighborhoods, and keep shoring them up. We must have good, safe neighborhoods. (5) Hold me (the Chief) accountable for police, neighborhood, and community issues on the prevention side. We must move more resources to the prevention end of crime. (6) As good as we are, we need to tap additional sources of people power — there is much to do for everyone. It is the responsibility of citizens to volunteer — teach a child, build a Habitat house, or clean up creeks, to name a few opportunities.
     He remains excited aboul working with everyone in Charlotte.
     Q: Are there common standards for reporting crimes in all cities?
     A: Yes, established in the 1930's by the FBI. But he has no confidence in uniform reporting. There is some use of statistics to make some areas look good.
     Q: Is there any discussion of how to decriminalize drugs?
     A: Yes, but there are pro's and con's. He is opposed to the decriminalizalion, as he feels that it will give a greater propensity to use the drugs. Only marijuana has been considered, not heroin or crack.
     Q: How many weapons are bought legally or illegally?
     A: I don't know the answer. The presence of weapons has increased. There are also weapons of greater firepower. Many weapons used in crimes are stolen from houses and cars. Many weapons are purchased legally.
     Q: How do you feel about handgun legislation? What are you in favor of?
     A: The concealed weapons laws bother him; he feels it was a mistake to permit them. He favors gun show controls, waiting periods, background checks. A handgun in the home increases the chance of a family member dying. Suicide is twice as likely as homicide. The family member's chance of dying is three times greater in a home with a gun than in a home without one. If you have them, lock and secure them. (Mild applause.)

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In Memoriam

J.   WARREN  JEFFRIES
October 15, 1920                    April 18, 2000

     Rotarian J. Warren (Jeff) Jeffries, a member of Rotary Club of Charlotte, died on April 18, 2000.

     The club will contribute to our Student Scholarship Fund in Jeff's name.

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