CMPD chief optimistic on officer recruitment: 'We're turning the corner'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is desperately looking to add more officers and has been reaching out to the community, trying to boost its force.

A recruitment campaign seems to be helping, and for the first time in a long time, the news is good on the recruiting front.

[LINK: CMPD recruitment]

In the wake of stories about squabbles over pay and low morale, CMPD officials on Wednesday highlighted efforts to replenish their ranks.

Past coverage:

• FOP: Raleigh police 'poaching CMPD officers in our own backyard'
• CMPD uses thousands of taxpayer dollars on officer recruitment
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to recruit at in-state military bases
• CMPD continues recruitment across the Carolinas

Earlier this summer, City Council approved a pay increase for officers, and the training staff has been in an all-out blitz to get the best. As a result, the number of recruits is up 35 percent.

"It's huge, I think we're turning the corner,” said CMPD Chief Kerr Putney. “Let’s be honest, this profession has been through a lot as an organization. We've been through a lot, but we still do the work on the streets to connect with the community, the diverse community that we are in Charlotte, and I think we’re starting to see dividends."

The department is in the open application process, which will last through Sept. 15.

The goal is to bring in 160 new officers, and, thus far, 102 have completed the process.

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