MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Law enforcement agencies in the Charlotte area are seeing lots of improvements with staffing. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said its hiring efforts are up 22% over last year.
With an uptick in property crime and shootings, CMPD said more staffing will allow police to be more proactive.
"We have made considerable strides in hiring despite the nationwide shortages and we're incredibly proud of this," CMPD Deputy Chief Jacquelyn Hulsey said.
As the headcount continues to grow, CMPD is bringing in even more people who are ready to serve, welcoming the largest number of recruits in the department’s history.
"There will be 82 recruits will be seated in this class and that going to assist us in having more presence in the community," Hulsey said.
Officials said the extra help comes as the number of calls for service continues to increase.
"Our 911 calls are up 8% -- this is an increase of nearly 60,000 calls for service year to date," Hulsey said.
Other departments, including the Huntersville Police Department, said they're also seeing progress. The department said right now they are very close to being fully staffed, with the turnover rate decreasing from 16% to 8%.
The Rock Hill Police Department said they’ve also seen improvements in staffing due to things like salary increases, with only 10% of openings needing to be filled.
While the agencies are proud of the progress, CMPD said there’s still lots of work left to do.
"Reducing violent crime is Chief Jennings' top priority, we are very proud of our results but we are not done," Hulsey said.
Officials said they will continue their efforts and invest in resources and people to make sure that these downward trends continue.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.