Police union holding no confidence vote for Charlotte chief

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police began accepting ballots Monday in a vote of no confidence against Police Chief Johnny Jennings, marking the first time the organization has initiated such proceedings against a department leader.

The vote comes amid growing tensions between Jennings and the police union following reports of a $305,000 settlement the chief received from Charlotte City Council earlier this month. The settlement stems from a public dispute with former City Council member Tariq Bokhari over Jennings’ initial refusal to allow patrol officers to wear outer carrier protective vests.

Nearly 2,000 FOP members can participate in the voting process, which began with online balloting Monday morning. In-person voting is scheduled to start Tuesday, May 27, with the process continuing until the organization’s regularly scheduled meeting on June 3.

The protective vest controversy emerged following the April 29, 2024, ambush shooting that killed four law enforcement officers, including one CMPD officer, in what became the deadliest police shooting in Charlotte’s history. The incident intensified discussions about officer safety equipment and department policies.

According to newly released documents, Jennings will receive $305,000 in compensation for what he claims were rights violations against him, though the city has denied these allegations. The separation agreement also confirms that Jennings will retire on January 1, 2026.

The FOP, which represents more than 1,700 CMPD officers, announced its intention to hold the no-confidence vote last Saturday. In communications to members, the organization indicated this was the first time such a measure had been introduced and passed within their ranks.

Michael Graff, a reporter who first interviewed Jennings about his retirement plans, noted that the chief maintained a measured tone when discussing the controversy. “He never named, said a bad thing about the FOP. He never spoke on Tariq Bokhari’s name, he called him a councilman,” Graff said during a recent interview.

The dispute has created ongoing friction between CMPD leadership and the police union. Beyond the vest controversy, the FOP has criticized the department’s handling of transparency issues, particularly regarding officers who were unavailable to respond during the April ambush shooting.

While the FOP can conduct the no-confidence vote, the outcome will be largely symbolic, as the organization cannot make hiring or firing decisions for the City of Charlotte. Those personnel decisions rest with city management.

A CMPD spokesperson declined to comment on the proceedings.

Voting will conclude with the adjournment of the FOP’s June 3 meeting, after which the organization is expected to announce the results publicly.

Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.