Fed grant to pay for more CMPD officers as crime rate rises

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Department of Justice is providing the city of Charlotte more than $1.8 million over three years to 15 new police officers.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney asked city council for the funds to hire 125 new officers to fight the growing crime rate.

This past June, Charlotte City Council voted to provide funds for 63 new officers. With this grant, Charlotte City Council will only need to fund 47 more officers.

"We need more officers just to keep up with the growth of the city," Councilmember Julie Eiselt said.

The Community Oriented Policing Services grant will cover up to 75 percent of the entry-level salary and fringe benefits for each of the 15 new officers for three years. The city is responsible for costs related to equipment and training.

City leaders estimate that just one new officer costs the city $86,000 a year when you factor in salary, benefits, equipment, training and a vehicle.

CMPD announced this week that violent crime is up 13 percent.

Will Adams, founder of community activist group Team True Blue, hopes the new officers will play a major role in reducing the crime rate.

"If you're bringing in officers that are really going to put in the time, think about their training then I'm all for it," he said.

Cox Media Group