CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On Friday, April 19, 2024, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced the largest recruit class graduation since 2010. Recruit Class 196 graduated 58 members on Friday as the department is seeing an increase in hiring and expanded training academy classes to offset a sworn officer shortage. These newly sworn police officers have now been assigned throughout CMPD’s 13 Patrol Divisions where they will begin the 15-week Police Training Officer program.
In the first quarter of 2024, the CMPD has received nearly 900 sworn applications (up 86%) and has made 71 sworn hires (up 69%) and reduced the overall officers shortage to 191 vacancies (down 20%). The department’s current staffing number includes police recruits who are employed by the CMPD but have not graduated from the Training Academy.
CMPD’s recruitment efforts span nationwide with the recruitment team participating in events locally, regionally and across the country. These visits include career fairs at universities, community colleges and military bases, targeting young and motivated individuals. CMPD’s College Internship Program continues to be a direct pipeline into the position of police officer. Since its start in 2019, CMPD has hired close to 20 former college interns.
CMPD continues to offer a $7,500 hiring bonus for all new officers. As of January 1, 2024, the starting salary for an officer before incentives is $57,192. Officers can earn up to $111,152 if they qualify for all incentives. In addition to existing education and military incentives, the department also expanded its 5% secondary language incentive to include 13 different languages. Another added incentive is a 2.5% shift differential bonus for employees permanently assigned to regular work on the second, third and fourth shifts.
