CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking to hire more police officers to meet the demand of a rising 911 call volume.
The department's latest class of new recruits began Monday. Recruit Class 196 is comprised of 81 recruits who will embark on a six-month training program. The class is the largest class in the department’s history.
"We have made considerable strides in hiring despite the nationwide shortages and we’re incredibly proud of this," CMPD Deputy Chief Jacquelyn Hulsey previously told WCNC Charlotte.
There has been an uptick in property crime and shootings, according to CMPD data released last week. More staffing will allow the law enforcement agency to be more proactive in their response.
"That is going to assist us in having more presence in the community," Hulsey said about recruiting more officers.
"Our 911 calls are up 8%," Hulsey said. "This is an increase of nearly 60,000 calls for service year to date."
Overall hiring for the department, including both sworn and non-sworn positions, has increased by 22% in 2023, according to the department. Total sworn trainee applications have increased 18% this year compared to 2022.
Reducing violent crime is currently Chief Johnny Jennings' top priority as property crimes are up by 14% and shootings are up by 2%.
"As Chief Jennings has said himself, 'There is no amount of acceptable crime,'" Hulsey said. "We will continue our efforts and invest in our resources and people to make sure that these downward trends continue."
CMPD is looking to fill about 300 positions. The agency said because of how aggressive it has been with recruitment efforts, it is on the right track in getting folks on their team.
"Sworn and civilian recruitment remains a top priority for Police Chief Johnny Jennings and the department," Major Zeru Chickoree said. "While nationwide trends point to a continued reduction in applications and hiring for other agencies CMPD has seen these numbers trend in the right direction."
"Officers go into policing because of a deep-rooted desire to serve and help people," Chickoree said. "The majority of our why, where campaign doesn’t include images of police officers but instead we showcase the many faces of our community members who put their faith and trust on CMPD."
City council approved an 8% raise for all CMPD officers and sergeants earlier this year, according to the department. As of July, the department said the starting salary for an officer before incentives is $56,347.
“As of Jan. 1, 2024, the new starting salary will be $57,192 along with a $7,500 hiring bonus,” Chickoree said. “This also means that officers can now make up to $104,658 with all incentives.”
Diversity is also a top priority for the department. The agency has a 30-for-30 initiative where the department wants 30% of the workforce to be women by 2030. This coming class has 15 women recruits -- roughly 18% of the class.
During a news conference Monday, the department invited applications from around the country to apply for jobs in Charlotte.
The department has utilized a recruitment team at career fairs, universities, colleges, and military bases to recruit.
The department offers candidates who speak any one of 13 specific languages a 5% secondary language incentive.