State Auditor Report Reveals That The Charlotte Area Transit System Decreased Security By 40%, While Pursuing DEI Goals

Yesterday, State Auditor Dave Boliek released the initial finds of the safety audit of the Charlotte Area Transit System. In response to the murder of Iryna Zarutska, Boliek announced his intention to audit the security of the Charlotte Area Transit System to highlight any increased risks.  

A key finding from the report is that the CATS decreased its armed security presence while pursuing DEI policies.  

“The safety of the citizens of Charlotte needs to be first and foremost when security decisions are being made. Our report shows there has been a clear shift away from armed security in the CATS’s private security contracts,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “Further, limiting any part of a contract providing citizens with security to only firms that meet a DEI checkbox raises questions as to whether politics has taken priority over public safety. As we continue our investigation, we will be examining the decisions that went into designing, soliciting, and approving these security contracts.” 

The report revealed that CATS contracted with several professional firms to provided armed security for the light rail with major fluctuations in the number of armed security guards.  

• The 2018 contract with G4S Secure Solutions had the number of armed security personnel provided for the CATS between approximately 68 and 88. A review of the current contract with PSS, and confirmation from the City of Charlotte this month, has the armed security figure at 39. Accordingly, while the CATS’s security contract value has increased from $5.9 million in 2022 to $18.4 million in 2025, the number of armed security has decreased by at least 40% over that time. 

The Auditor’s Office revealed that these contracts for private security were solicited through the Charlotte Business Inclusion (CBI) program. The CBI program works to enhance participation of Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises in city contracting. The CBI is a classic example of DEI program, where the government favors a political agenda over competency.  

• The audit uncovers what appears to be some political bias.  

• During a meeting of the CBI Advisory Committee in April, committee members were encouraged “to listen to the Republican argument” made in support of House Bill 171, “An Act Eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives in State and Local Government,” so they could “be prepared to counter it.” 

• An article published by The Charlotte Post in February noted “CBI’s role in growing vendor participation during a renewed push by some businesses, states and the Trump administration to roll back or end inclusion programs.” 

In 2022, when Charlotte was seeking security contractors for CATS, the Request for Proposal for unarmed security was “targeted only” to businesses registered with CBI. The City Compliance Officer wrote, “This solicitation is only open to CBI security firms, it is not open to other firms regardless if they have other certifications by other parties.” 

Bottom Line: While the current contract provides up to 219 security personnel, having only 39 armed security personnel does not permit the CATS to have an armed guard on all of its 48 train cars at once.