Deputy chief Johnny Jennings, who has been with CMPD since 1992, has been selected to be the department’s next chief. He will succeed Kerr Putney in September following the Republican National Convention. Putney has been chief since 2015 and also joined CMPD in 1992. Putney calls Jennings “a man with an unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity and leadership.”
"I have had the privilege of observing and experiencing the growth of our city and the department,” Jennings said. “We have been resilient in managing some of the most challenging experiences and growing from them. We will continue to face challenges as the city continues to grow and evolve. I'm humbled to be the next police chief and lead the CMPD during these times. I'm eager to continue to serve with the men and women of the CMPD."
Jennings was promoted to his current rank in 2016 and has held several leadership roles in the department. He developed and implemented CMPD’s paid college internship program; led coordination and intelligence efforts with federal, regional, state and local partners for the 2012 Democratic National Convention; and led planning and operations for major events such as the 2019 NBA All-Star game and Billy Graham’s 2018 funeral.
The hiring process to select the new chief included input from community groups, faith-based organizations and civil rights organizations along with elected and appointed officials including District Attorney Spencer Merriweather and Mayor Vi Lyles.
"Charlotte has a history of hiring police chiefs who bring the perfect skillset needed at that time in our city's development, and I believe we have done it again," said Lyles. "Deputy Chief Jennings has a background in leading several community outreach programs, which makes him an ideal fit for growing our community policing initiatives and building public trust in our police department."
Listen to Joe Gillespie's report...