Now that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings has announced his plans to retire in 2026, city leaders will launch a nationwide search for his replacement, according to a city announcement.
Jennings, who joined the agency in 1992 and was elevated to chief in 2020, announced his decision on Sunday, the same day he revealed the terms of the $305,000 closed-session settlement he reached with the city earlier in May.
According to The Charlotte Observer, the transaction resolved a lawsuit over comments made by former City Council member Tariq Bokhari, who pushed Jennings to obtain new bulletproof vests for police personnel.
After Jennings announced his retirement plans, two of the city’s senior executives expressed gratitude for his dedication to the community.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles commended Jennings as a “transformative leader for the CMPD and a true champion for Charlotte,” according to her statement.
“His dedication to public safety and his innovative approaches to policing have made our city safer and stronger,” Lyles told the crowd. “We are immensely grateful for his 33 years of service and his commitment to leading the department through the end of the year.”
Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones also thanked Jennings. He stated that Jennings’ leadership has been “instrumental in advancing public safety.”
“As we begin the search for our next chief, we are committed to finding a leader who will continue to build upon Chief Jennings’ legacy and uphold our city’s commitment to safety and justice for all,” according to Jones in a statement.
Jennings’ separation agreement grants the chief the following:
▪ $14,016.70 for retroactive salary.
▪ $45,698.56 retention bonus.
▪ $45,284.70 for 40 days vacation.
▪ $175,000 for severance pay
▪ 250,000 “for costs incurred related to the Dispute.”
Jennings’ annual compensation was approximately $280,300.
Last Monday, State Auditor Dave Boliek announced that his office would review the city’s deal with Jennings. At the time, city authorities declined to reveal specifics of the deal, claiming they were not public record.
“Even if the payment was for one penny, it should be disclosed to the public in a timely and transparent manner,” stated Boliek in a letter to Lyles.
The Charlotte Optimist and The Assembly first reported on the separation deal.
