Youth Diversion

How can Charlotte reduce teen crime? The Charlotte City Council is wrestling with that question amid a spike in juvenile arrests since 2020. Advocates say guns and social media may play a part, and compassionate adult mentors might be the antidote.

Many kids in Mecklenburg County who get in trouble, say at school or the mall, end up speaking with Cara Evans-Patterson. She’s in charge of CMPD’s youth…