One-On-One With New CMPD Chief of Police
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CHARLOTTE, NC — The man who will lead CMPD through a difficult summer says the department is ready for Officer Wes Kerrick’s trial. Kerr Putney will take over as Chief when Rodney Monroe retires in two weeks. Tuesday, he sat down with WCCB News @ Ten anchor Will Kennedy to talk about the transition.
“What are the things you feel like you need to work on, that are going to be a challenge for you in that new role?” asked Kennedy.
“Well, to be quite frank with you, the transition’s been pretty much ongoing, looking back on the last couple of years,” said Putney. “I didn’t realize it, but the Chief had been pretty much intentionally giving me those opportunities already. The last thing was giving me the wheel to the Cops and Barbers.”
That raw Cops and Barbers conversation hit a nerve, and stung at times, but opened Putney’s eyes to some of the biggest issues he’ll face in his new role.
“You’ve always heard people say we used to respect authority when I grew up,” Putney added. “Well I think the millennials, and I support them actually, feel like it needs to be earned. And I just say it goes both ways.”
His rise through the ranks is applauded by many, but there are critics who say he doesn’t have the needed experience, and that Charlotte should have conducted a national search.
“Do you hear that?” asked Kennedy. “What do you do with that?”
“Sure I hear it,” replied Putney. “I give it its due notice. Am I ready? Yes, absolutely. I had opportunities in the past that show that I’m ready. I’ve been vetted nationally before.”
Putney says he never intended to make law enforcement his career, but 23 years later, he’s risen to the top: the only CMPD Chief ever promoted from within.
Putney will face a tough test of his department’s character right away. CMPD Officer Wes Kerrick goes on trial next month for shooting and killing Jonathan Ferrell. Putney was part of the immediate decision to charge Kerrick, and part of the planning to prepare for a contentious trial.
“How comfortable are you with where things are as we head towards this July 20th date?” asked Kennedy.
“Very. We’re not ready to go live just yet, but we’re very close,” he replied. “And this last month we’re going to spend fine tuning.” He also added: “We just have to be more thick-skinned, and also use our communication skills. And also be proactive in starting that conversation, so that people coming in from the outside know here’s some expectations. We’re going to facilitate your right to protest and demonstrate. But we will not allow for rioting."
Officer Kerrick’s criminal trial is set to begin on July 20. You can count on the WCCB Trial Team for continuing coverage. Look for updates on air and online.
