CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A “battle” is unfolding between a Charlotte city councilman and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Chief of Police over money for officer protective gear.
Councilman Tariq Bokhari told WCNC Charlotte he’s pushed for years to get patrol officers outer carrier vests. However, Chief Johnny Jennings wrote to WCNC Charlotte in a statement that the vests pose several concerns.
Following the April 29 attack in east Charlotte that killed four law enforcement officers, Bokhari pushed for CMPD to get outer carrier vests during city budget talks.
While he got money approved for ballistic shields and active shooter kits, he rescinded his request for the vests after he wasn't able to get Jennings on board.
"I tried every different way to convince the Chief," Bokhari said. "I talked to him about it and he held firm."
Bokhari said he’s talked to hundreds of patrol officers who want the vests.
"Safety is definitely part of it," he added. "Comfort is definitely part of it. But the biggest thing is morale."
CMPD officers wear body armor but it doesn’t protect against high-powered rifles. WCNC Charlotte previously reported that CMPD has rifle vests but they’re not for everyday use.
So, Bokhari pushed for $500,000 in city money to buy every patrol officer an outer carrier vest that had rifle plating.
"It became less of me trying to convince the chief, and me telling the chief 'We have to get this done now,'" Bokhari said.
WCNC Charlotte also spoke with the Charlotte chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police. The immediate past president Mark Michalec said the organization supports investing in the vests.
"We believe that in this day and age it's something that the officers -- are needed, and it's going around nationwide," Michalec said.
Now, Bohkari is working to raise the $500,000 privately with a GoFundMe and online petition.
Chief Johnny Jennings' statement reads, in part:
"My top concern has always been ensuring the well-being of our officers, especially those directly impacted by April 29... As a community, we share the responsibility to extend a level of genuine compassion and care for all of those involved in this tragedy. With 32 years of law enforcement experience at this agency, I am undoubtedly qualified to make decisions that I feel are in the best interest of our officers. Decisions impacting officer safety require expertise in law enforcement and are based on a comprehensive analysis of department needs, command staff input and industry best practices."
"There is misinformation circulating regarding outer carrier vests. These vests offer no additional ballistic protection and raise officer safety concerns. It is important to note that three fallen officers wore outer vests on April 29. In addition, the outer vest has a military-style appearance that contradicts the community-oriented policing philosophy I have championed for years."
After speaking about the issue to WCNC Charlotte's Julia Kauffman Thursday, Bokhari posted the following response to Jennings' statement on X:
Bokhari claims he’s done research that goes against Jennings' claims regarding the vest safety and he has no plans to stop.
"I'm going to war like this, but I still count him as a friend. He's a wonderful person. I like him a lot," Bokhari added.
Bokhari said if he can raise the $500,000, it’s still up to Jennings to approve the vests, and he plans to call for Jennings' resignation if he doesn't.
Specialized units wear outer carrier vests, including K9 and SWAT officers, but patrol officers do not.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.