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CMPD takes another step to filling officer deficit

By Paul Boyd
By Paul Boyd

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department graduated 24 new recruits into officers on Friday morning. The ceremony marked the 179th recruit class for CMPD and was the culmination of more than 900 hours of training over the past six months.

"We put them in tense dynamic situations because we know that's what they're going to face on the street, and we want them to be as prepared as we can make them," Capt. Dave Johnson said.

A large crowd of family members and friends gathered in an auditorium at the training academy. They saw the pride on the faces of the new officers as they received their badges and were sworn in.

There continues to be a need for more officers here in Charlotte.

Officials told Channel 9 CMPD is working to add roughly 10 percent to its workforce right now after new budget dollars were allocated.

Officials said recruits need to have a servant’s heart.

"We thank God every day that there are folks that still want to do that," Johnson said, "We've got a big recruiting push going on right now -- a big marketing campaign."

CMPD’s new recruits with only a high school diploma start at more than $44,000 per year. Transferring officers and recruits with degrees are paid a higher salary.

Details are available at www.cmpd.org/apply

Chief Kerr Putney said Friday's graduation is an important infusion for his force.

"It's a big deal. As we've talked about the deficit. We need more people. We need more qualified people. I want good cops, just not a number of cops," Putney said.

The new officers will quickly be put to use with major events on the horizon for Charlotte ranging from the NBA All-Star Game to the 2020 Republican National Convention.

"Planning is always under construction," Putney said, "I don't sleep under a rock. So, I pay attention to everything that's going on and as always our city will be ready."

This latest graduating class reports for duty on Monday morning. Another group of recruits is set to leave the academy in November.

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