Could 28, 2025
The police chief took a settlement from the town for what he deemed as his rights being violated.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Division (CMPD) Chief Johnny Jennings needs to be taking a deep sigh after asserting his retirement on the finish of 2025, however as an alternative it’s being met with blended reactions following a settlement value $305,000 over alleged rights violation, WCNC reported.
Documentation revealed the settlement between Jennings and Charlotte’s metropolis supervisor Marcus Jones was labeled as a “separation settlement” upon Jennings’ Jan. 1, 2026 retirement. Signed Could 8, 2025, the paperwork have been first labeled as “confidential” however a Could 22 modification confirmed each events agreed to take away the confidential clause, changed with a “non-disparagement” clause.
The settlement allegedly took place after a public feud with former Metropolis Council member Tariq Bokhari who was allegedly livid over Jennings refusing to allow patrol officers to put on outer provider vests. Issues bought heated when threatening textual content messages from Bokhari to Jennings have been revealed, calling for his resignation and claims he might be “hammering” him from “the press, the non-public sector, the foundations, the final meeting, Congress and a number of other high-profile nationwide organizations” all whereas referring to him as a “good friend.” “I’ll not in the end win – however I cannot cease and it’ll cripple the legacy you’ve labored so exhausting for,” Bokhari, who resigned to hitch the Trump administration as deputy administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, wrote.
The police chief is being each praised and criticized for taking the settlement from the town for what he deemed as his rights being violated. On social media, Charlotte residents and different customers really feel there isn’t a want for a settlement and supported Bokhari for “standing up for the protection & help of CMPD Officers.” “You’re the just one who did the best factor,” Angela Moore wrote on X. Others mentioned the settlement is a waste of taxpayer cash.
Nevertheless, in response to Queen Metropolis Information, former CMPD leaders, equivalent to Assistant Chief of Police Vicki Foster, thinks Jennings has carried out a tremendous job and whoever his successor is may have massive footwear to fill. “They’ve to have the ability to not solely simply have interaction however be part of what’s going on and perceive,” Foster mentioned.
In a proper assertion, Charlotte Mayor, Vi Lyles, known as Jennings “a transformative chief for CMPD and a real champion for Charlotte.” His dedication to public security and his progressive approaches to policing have made our metropolis safer and stronger,” she wrote.
Jennings additionally patted himself on the again for his accomplishments. “I’m extremely happy with what we’ve achieved collectively – the numerous reductions in crime, the strengthening of group belief, and the unwavering dedication I’ve witnessed from each member of this division,” he wrote.
Because the settlement is being paid in a number of increments over time, the North Carolina auditor is scheduled to analyze the settlement along with CMPD’s Fraternal Order of Police anticipated to start out a no confidence vote towards Jennings starting June 2.