CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Friday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department promoted 17 of its officers to new positions within the department, days after officers pushed City Council for more money for officer raises.
CMPD Chief Kerr Putney said the city of Charlotte “is in good hands” as he promoted the officers Friday morning at the department’s training academy.
Officers were awarded the rank of sergeant, lieutenant, captain or major.
Each officer walked on stage while a designated family member pinned a badge on their chest to recognize their new rank.
Chase Suddreth was promoted to sergeant and told Channel 9 he'll train with an experienced sergeant before he's on his own.
Suddreth said he's looking forward to serving his community and honoring his father, who has worked in the department for more than three decades.
“My dad has been working here for about 32 years,” Suddreth said. “He's a polygraph examiner. He was kind of my guiding star, so it was sort of an honor for him to pin me.”
Friday’s promotion ceremony comes as the department is struggling with retention. Just this week, Charlotte City Council approved changes to officer pay raises in their recommended budget.
"I like what im seeing," Chief Putney said. "We are trying to reward our people just like the people today. Anything they can get that encourages them to stay is a benefit for our city."
Rookies in the first few years would get a 12 percent raise. Officers with a bit more experience would get seven to 12 percent, and an additional 4.5 percent is set aside for senior officers.
"It's a professional development tool for us we are looking to revisit that also advances the pay. It's another step they get that they wouldn't have had," Chief Putney said.
City council plans to fund the raises by scaling back CMPD's take home car program by 11 cars. Leaders are expected to vote on the recommended budget June 11.
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