All anyone living in Charlotte in recent years can possibly say is, “What took you so long?”

CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe basically browbeat outgoing DA Peter Gilchrist into this effort. Gilchrist, recall, does not believe in “targeting” anyone for arrest and prosecution based merely on their past track record of violent crimes.

However, I firmly believe that the easy availability of online arrest and sentencing information has rendered Gilchrist’s position moot. The public knows what is going on. Within minutes of any arrest info on priors can be assembled from county and state databases. From there the nature of the revolving door, catch-and-release program Gilchrist has been running for the past few decades becomes crystal clear.

And if — if — CMPD follows through with the stated intent to use both bond hearings and the probation system to help keep violent repeat offenders off the streets, that will be a major improvement in public safety in Charlotte.

If.