Charlotte leaders plan national search for CMPD Chief Jennings’ successor

Now that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings has shared his plans to retire by 2026, city leaders will begin a nation-wide search for his successor, a city announcement said.

Jennings, who joined the department in 1992 and was promoted to chief in 2020, went public with his decision Sunday — the same day he released details of the $305,000 closed-session settlement he made with the city earlier in May.

The deal reportedly stopped a lawsuit over comments made by former City Council member Tariq Bokhari, who pushed Jennings to get new bulletproof vests for police officers, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

After Jennings announced his retirement plans, two of the city’s top leaders thanked him for his commitment to the city.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles praised Jennings as a “transformative leader for CMPD and a true champion for Charlotte,” her statement read.

“His dedication to public safety and his innovative approaches to policing have made our city safer and stronger,” Lyles said. “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 said 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,” said Jones in a statement.

Jennings’ separation agreement awards the chief the following:

▪ $14,016.70 in retroactive pay

▪ $45,698.56 retention bonus

▪ $45,284.70 for 40 days of vacation

▪ $175,000 in severance pay

▪ 25,000 “for costs incurred related to the Dispute.”

Jennings annual salary was about $280,300.

Last week, State Auditor Dave Boliek said his office planned to investigate the city’s settlement with Jennings. At the time, city officials refused to share details of the agreement, saying details of the agreement were not public record.

“Even if the payment was worth one penny, it should be disclosed to the public in a timely and transparent matter,” wrote Boliek in a letter to Lyles.

Details of the separation agreement were first reported by The Charlotte Optimist and The Assembly.

This story was originally published May 26, 2025 at 7:07 PM.