Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is the police department of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States, which includes the City of Charlotte. With 1,633 officers and 525 civilian staff as of 2024, covering an area of 438 square miles (1,130 km2) with a population of 1,000,000+, it is the largest police department between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia. The CMPD is by statute "county police" in that it has jurisdiction anywhere in Mecklenburg County. The unique status of this situation makes the CMPD "metro" police. The department is currently being led by Estella D. Patterson.Patterson is the first female police chief in Charlotte’s history. she has more than 25 years in law enforcement. Before serving as chief of the Raleigh Police Department, she served in the U.S Army from 1996-2005, she served combat tours in Kosovo and Iraq and reaching the rank of captain. History The CMPD was formed in 1993 with the merger of the former Charlotte City Police Department and the Mecklenburg County Rural Police Department. Mecklenburg and neighboring Gaston County were the two counties out of the state's 100 counties to have county police in addition to the sheriff's offices. County police perform law enforcement tasks in the county with police powers anywhere in the county just like the sheriff, but the sheriff primarily handled the courts and jails. The North Carolina General Assembly approved legislation combining the two agencies. In 2013, press reports indicated that the Citizens Review Board had ruled against citizens complaining of police misconduct in every case brought before the panel in its fourteen-year history. Salary The CMPD starting salary for officers is about $59,502 per year before incentives. Officers with a college degree automatically earn more at the start of their careers. New hires may potential receive up to $7,500 as a signing bonus. Officers may also increase their salaries over time by having military experience, working overtime, and special skill incentives. With experience and added incentives some officers can make over $100,000. Organization The CMPD is organized into the Office of the Chief of Police, who is assisted by five deputy chiefs. Patrol services fall under the Field Services Group, headed by a deputy chief. The Field Services Group is divided into three service areas, each headed by a major. Each service area comprises four to five patrol divisions, each headed by a captain. Each patrol division consists of two response areas, each headed by a lieutenant. Other groups contain bureaus, headed by majors. Each bureau is also organized into divisions, commanded by captains, and units, commanded by sergeants. CMPD is home to over 30 specialized units. With our SWAT team, Lake Enforcement, Aviation Unit, Bomb Unit, K9 Unit and more, there are plenty of unique opportunities within the department. Personnel As of 2020, the department consisted of 475 unsworn and 1,982 sworn personnel, including one chief of police, five deputy chiefs, 14 majors, 35 captains, 45 lieutenants, 157 sergeants, and 1,725 detectives and officers. Breakdown of the makeup of the rank and file of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department: Break down of personal in the year 2025 Male: 86% Female: 14% White: 68% Black: 19% Hispanic: 8% Asian: 5% Equipment Weapons CMPD officers are issued the Glock 17. Qualified officers may also be equipped with a shotgun and/or patrol rifle (AR-15 style). Additionally, officers' standard patrol equipment typically consists of Electroshock weapon (commonly referred to as tasers or stun guns), oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, and a baton. These less-lethal tools are provided to help officers ensure their safety and public safety. Vehicles The department utilizes a variety of vehicles, including but not limited to: Chevrolet Caprice Dodge Charger Ford F-350 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (Ford Taurus) Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Ford Explorer) Rank structure The insignia of the Chief of Police was two gold stars until 2014, when Chief Rodney D. Monroe upgraded it to four stars. Former ranks Patrol areas References