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CMPD's New Mission Statement
CMPD implements solutions and expands collaborative relationships within our organization and community to enhance trust, fairness and respect, to increase public safety.
Chief Johnny Jennings made the decision to update CMPD's mission statement, to better reflect CMPD's goal of becoming a trusted, respected and sought-after community partner. Key to Chief Jennings' vision is serving the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and taking care of all CMPD employees with these "Core 4" strategic priorities.
Community Collaboration
Crime Management
Professional Accountability
Employee Wellness
CMPD values:
  • Oath of Office - Uphold the United States and North Carolina Constitutions.
  • Human Life - Seeing the value of every person.
  • Integrity - Promising to uphold the highest standards of integrity, being honest and ethical in all our actions.
  • People - Treating all people with dignity, respect, fairness and compassion.
  • Inclusion - Fostering a diverse and equitable culture that is committed to embracing all differences.
  • Community - Meeting everyone where they are, working together to achieve a shared vision.
Successful De-Escalation
Any CMPD officer will tell you that policing is nothing like the movies. When an officer responds to a call, anything can happen. This was the case August 20, 2020, when Officer R. Colpitts responded to a domestic violence call.
Upon opening his car door, a young man accosted Officer Colpitts. Reaching for Officer Colpitts' gun, the young man begged to be shot and killed. Officers Colpitts and R. Hughes can be seen on dramatic body cam footage, de-escalating the situation by talking this young man down and getting him to the hospital for help.

Access hyperlinks to the unedited body camera footage here, or watch this WSOC report to hear these CMPD heroes talk about how they acted quickly and calmly, preventing a potentially deadly situation.
Drive To Serve: Academy Driving Instruction
With 26 acres of Academy grounds dedicated to the driving course, Officer Melissa Cicio and her team of instructors have enough room to create multiple courses or combine the track into one large progression for instruction, including pursuit training.

“They have never driven their own car like this, so I tell them, ‘Look, don't baby the car, it's not your grandma's Cadillac, you're not going to church on Sunday,’” Officer Cicio says.

By collaborating with the department’s dispatchers, Officer Cicio and her team build training scenarios that mirror what CMPD’s finest respond to each day, from kidnappings to armed robberies and carjackings.

In the state of North Carolina, only the CMPD Academy and North Carolina Highway Patrol Training Academy have dedicated driving courses.
Meet the Women of CMPD
Nina Wright:
CMPD's First Black Female Deputy Chief
Early in her career, Nina Wright encountered prejudice from the public and some fellow officers who doubted that a woman officer could be an effective leader. Undaunted, she showed great leadership during assignments in crime prevention, internal affairs, family services and undercover investigations. In 2001, Nina Wright became Deputy Chief Wright, the first African American woman to serve as Deputy Chief.
Women Are the Future of CMPD - Click Here To Apply
CMPD Is Now Accepting Applications
for those new to law enforcement
for those who are
sworn officers
a new CMPD pathway
for those who are BLET-certified
Learn more about CMPD's compensation and benefits.
Talk How You Talk:
Charlotte's Own Detective Johnson
Adrian Johnson is a gifted CMPD officer, not necessarily because of his degree in criminal justice or the fact he is Charlotte born and bred. Detective Johnson can build a relationship with anyone by talking to them honestly about practically anything.

Detective Johnson successfully placed an ankle monitor on his best friend from childhood. He started a program at the Urban League for juveniles, where he helped turn lives around by being honest with young people about their choices. He walked the streets of his old neighborhood to build relationships with families who distrust law enforcement.
When Detective Johnson reflects on his 13-year career at CMPD, he loves the variety of his work and the impact he has made on his hometown. What he appreciates most is that he’s encouraged to be himself, which helps him make authentic connections in his community.
I never had anyone tell me how to talk, and that I need to change who I am. I can always be myself.
- Detective Adrian Johnson
Thank you for your interest in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Connect with us.