Charlotte NC, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte officials are commencing a nationwide search for a new police chief, as Johnny Jennings plans to retire at the end of 2025. This decision coincides with the city’s initiative to involve the community in defining the desired qualities for the new leadership within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. A community survey has been launched to collect feedback on critical issues such as crime prevention and police-community relations. The outgoing chief’s tenure saw a decrease in violent crime, yet community calls for bolder changes persist.
Charlotte officials are initiating a nationwide search for a new police chief as Johnny Jennings announces his retirement at the end of 2025. This transition comes as the City of Charlotte aims to engage the community in determining the priorities for the new leadership in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
As part of this effort, the city has launched a community survey consisting of 15 questions to gather public input. The topics covered in the survey include critical issues such as homelessness, strategies for violent crime prevention, and efforts to enhance police-community relations. The survey is open for responses until September 5th, allowing residents ample opportunity to voice their opinions about the qualities they seek in a new police chief.
Under Jennings’ leadership, CMPD has seen a gradual decline in violent crime, marking a significant achievement during his tenure since he became chief in July 2020. While Jennings has implemented recruitment measures leading to a 30% increase in hires in 2024, some community members and officers feel more dramatic changes are necessary for meaningful progress.
In a related initiative, the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9, which represents CMPD officers, conducted its own survey. The results have shown that a substantial 81% of officers prefer an outside hire for the next police chief. According to FOP President Dan Redford, the likelihood of improvement is higher with an external candidate, whereas an internal candidate offers little promise for change.
The city manager is tasked with overseeing the selection process for the new chief, and a California-based consulting firm is assisting in this endeavor. Applications for the chief’s position closed on August 30th. The anticipated compensation package for the incoming chief is projected to be between $207,889 and $259,861, contingent upon the candidate’s experience.
Jennings, who joined CMPD in May 1992, succeeded former chief Kerr Putney, who led for five years. Following a public dispute with former council member Tariq Bokhari, Jennings received a settlement of $305,000 from the Charlotte City Council, framing the context for his decision to retire.
Currently, the CMPD employs 1,936 sworn officers and 483 non-sworn staff, operating with an annual budget of over $366 million for the fiscal year 2026. The search for a new chief is viewed as a pivotal moment for the city, with community engagement seen as essential in shaping the future of policing in Charlotte.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Johnny Jennings retiring?
Johnny Jennings has announced his retirement effective at the end of 2025, following a public dispute with a former council member that resulted in a settlement with the Charlotte City Council.
How is the City of Charlotte gathering input for the new police chief?
The City of Charlotte is conducting a community survey to gather input on the priorities for the new police chief, which includes topics such as homelessness and violent crime prevention.
When does the community survey close?
The community survey will remain open for responses until September 5th.
What is the projected salary range for the new police chief?
The anticipated compensation package for the new chief is expected to range from $207,889 to $259,861, depending on the candidate’s experience.
Key Features of the Police Chief Transition in Charlotte
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement Date | End of 2025 |
| Community Survey | Open until September 5th, 15 questions on public safety priorities |
| Officer Preference | 81% prefer an outside hire for the next chief |
| Budget | Over $366 million for fiscal year 2026 |
| Current Staff | 1,936 sworn officers and 483 non-sworn staff |
| Chief Salary Range | $207,889 to $259,861 |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
