Record-Breaking Police Recruit Class Begins Training

Published on October 23, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, October 23, 2023) – Today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) highlighted the largest recruit class in CMPD history. Recruit Class 196 begins training today as the department is seeing an increase in hiring and expanded training academy classes to offset a sworn officer shortage.

Recruit Class 196 is comprised of 81 recruits who will embark on a six-month training program to become patrol officers. This historic class is a major achievement for the CMPD as staffing and recruitment levels have dropped for law enforcement nationwide. Total sworn trainee applications have increased 18% this year compared to 2022. Overall hiring for the department including sworn and non-sworn positions have increased by 22% in 2023.

The dedicated recruitment team and command staff at the CMPD continue to explore all hiring avenues. 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. Since its start in 2019, CMPD has hired close to 20 former college interns.

To stand out in a competitive market to attract recruits, CMPD partnered with a marketing agency last year to launch a creative campaign focused on the “why” individuals should join the law enforcement profession. It focuses on the desire to serve and help others. CMPD’s “why” and “where” campaign, doesn’t include a single image of a police officer but instead showcases the faces of community members who put their faith and trust in CMPD. This campaign is featured nationally with ads in markets across the country and digital views and clicks come from as far away as California.

CMPD’s salary and incentives remain among the best in the region. The 2023 fiscal year budget started with an 8% salary increase for all CMPD officers and sergeants as approved by the Charlotte City Council and City Manager. As of July 1, 2023, the starting salary for an officer before incentives is $56,347. That salary will increase to $57,192 as of January 1, 2024. Officers can now earn up to $104,658 if they qualify for all incentives.

CMPD continues to offer a $7,500 hiring bonus for all new officers. 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.

CMPD will continue its strategic efforts to recruit, hire and retain talented law enforcement officers as well as develop the best recruitment and training staff in the country. Looking ahead, the Recruitment and Training Bureau plans to add an additional recruit class next year for a total of four recruit classes.

To view today’s press briefing click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdwB-eYwERQ

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