Raleigh Police Recruit In CLT While CMPD Officers Fight For Pay Increase

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Raleigh Police Department is trying to recruit officers from Charlotte as our city leaders deal with an officer shortage.

CMPD officers went to city council last month demanding a pay raise.

The Fraternal Order of Police says Raleigh pays officers roughly $77,000 a year. That’s about 10 thousand dollars more than Charlotte pays.

The FOP says Charlotte needs 150 more officers and cannot afford to lose any.

The FOP says being down 150 officers puts a strain on resources when big events, like the CIAA, come to town.

We asked Raleigh recruiters about the competition.

“There’s always competition because we’re trying to recruit from the same pool so it’s not just Raleigh, Charlotte. It’s Raleigh, it’s state troopers, it’s Fayetteville, it’s Durham. It’s everyone,” said Sgt. Edwin Garcia.

Sgt. Garcia says Raleigh Police recruit across the country. They attend job fairs in Charlotte up to 30 times a year.

This is the second year in a row CMPD has asked city council for better pay and benefits.

CMPD is asking for a 15 percent pay increase, reinstatement of retiree health care and a reduction in health care premiums.

They want a shift differential pay for those working second and third shift.

They are asking for time and a half for working weekends and on their off days.