CMPD chief’s separation deal of interest to NC auditor

CITY OF CHARLOTTE

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings will retire at year's end, closing a 33-year career with the department.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings’ retirement is still of interest to North Carolina Auditor Dave Boliek.

Jennings announced May 25 he plans to leave the post at year’s end after 33 years with the department. He succeeded Kerr Putney as chief in 2020.  

"Serving as the Chief of Police for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has truly been the greatest honor of my career," Jennings said in a statement. "I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together – the significant reductions in crime, the strengthening of community trust, and the unwavering dedication I've witnessed from every member of this department. After over 33 years of service, I have decided it is time for me to pass the torch at the end of this year.”

Jennings’ separation from CMPD includes a $305,000 package from the city of Charlotte after former council member Tariq Bokhari sent texts threatening to have him fired and “cripple” his legacy. Boliek announced last week his office will launch a probe into whether the deal – which was approved by council – violated state law. Bokhari – who publicly feuded with Jennings over the chief’s opposition to alternative exterior-worn police vests Bokhari lobbied for – resigned in April to take a job in the Trump administration.

The Charlotte Fraternal Order of Police lodge responded by threatening a no confidence vote on Jennings. Any vote by the lodge, made up of law enforcement officers in Mecklenburg County is non-binding.

The settlement includes $175,000, a retention bonus,  a retroactive raise, 40 days of vacation pay upon retirement and $25,000 reimbursement for legal fees. In return, Jennings agreed to terminate any legal claim against the city. Jennings’ annual salary is $280,000.

“Our goal with launching this investigation was simple: bring transparency to the City of Charlotte,” Boliek said in a statement released May 25. “The people of Charlotte, along with all North Carolinians, deserve to know where their tax dollars are going.

“The release of the settlement information, as requested by the State Auditor’s Office, was the right decision. Our team will continue working with city officials as we wrap up the investigation. The State Auditor’s Office remains active in its mission of holding all levels of government accountable.”

Jennings’ rise to chief coincided with a national reckoning over law enforcement’s interaction with civilians, especially Black people, after the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis, Minnesota, police.

There was also a national spike in violent crime, including Charlotte, which had a 16% increase in 2020. During Jennings’ tenure, CMPD focused on customer service and strategic responses to crime. The results were immediate, with violent crime down 7% in 2021 and another 5% drop in 2022. As of 2024, overall crime slid by 3% in 2024 although there was a 3% increase in violent crime victims while violent crime incidents were down 1%.

"Chief Jennings has been a transformative leader for CMPD and a true champion for Charlotte,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said in a statemetn. “His dedication to public safety and his innovative approaches to policing have made our city safer and stronger. We are immensely grateful for his 33 years of service and his commitment to leading the department through the end of the year. We wish him all the best as he prepares for his retirement."

Now is the right time to leave, Jennings surmised.

“Although I had intended to retire sooner, I felt compelled to guide our agency through some of its most challenging periods,” he said. “I make this announcement with immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve this remarkable city and with full confidence in the men and women of the CMPD to continue protecting and serving our community with excellence."

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