Each year Matthews Police Officers speak to thousands of children, participate in many various safety and educational programs and distribute countless crime prevention materials. The Matthews Police Department is actively involved in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg coalition of the Safe Kids Worldwide organization. The department currently operates a weekly child safety seat checking station. In 2009 families were assisted by officers installing approximately 900 child restraint systems. To view the calendar for the next scheduled child safety seat clinic click here.

A growing number of residential communities are joining the Neighborhood Watch program, which helps insure safer environments while bringing neighbors together. Currently the department coordinates this effort in many neighborhoods throughout Matthews, conducting regular meetings and crime prevention training. Residents also take part in National Night Out, which is an annual celebration of communities that participate in anti-crime initiatives. Business and residential security assessments, seminars and training are provided upon request to members of the community on a regular basis as well.

Public communication and education are also main components of Community Policing. In 2008 the Matthews Police Department implemented an e-mail and text message alert system called Citizen Observer. This program has nearly 4,000 registered e-mail accounts that allow the police to get critical information to the community in a very efficient manner. On average about 1,100 people will read an e-mail alert, and hundreds receive text messages on their cell phones, within moments of incident details being sent.

Community involvement, awareness, communication and education are top priorities for the Matthews Police Department. Its members recognize that through a strong partnership with its community, we can maintain the high standards that we enjoy as we live and work in Matthews. For more information, please contact the Community Resource Officer by calling 704-845-1651 or e-mail.

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