CMPD, city leaders working to keep Charlotte safe during July 4 celebrations [Video]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Crews spent most of the day Wednesday setting up for the big Fourth of July SkyShow that will light up the night at Truist Field on Thursday.

People gather all around Uptown to view the fireworks, and for city leaders, safety is top of mind.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will be out in full force to best keep the community safe.

Earlier this week, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings joined city officials, the district attorney and other organizations to lay out a multi-pronged safety strategy focused on Uptown.

The approach is actually a year-round one, but with Fourth of July celebrations going on, there are some extra layers.

Last year, a massive brawl broke out at Romare Bearden Park on the night of the Fourth, which resulted in the arrests or citation of nearly three dozen people.

After the fight, CMPD implemented Operation TRIO, which targets Romare Bearden, First Ward and Fourth …