CMPD boosting officer recruitment efforts to keep up with 911 calls: Tuesday, Oct. 24

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking to hire more police officers to meet the demand of a rising 911 call volume.

The department's latest class of new recruits began Monday. Recruit Class 196 is comprised of 81 recruits who will embark on a six-month training program. The class is the largest class in the department’s history. 

"We have made considerable strides in hiring despite the nationwide shortages and we’re incredibly proud of this," CMPD Deputy Chief Jacquelyn Hulsey previously told WCNC Charlotte.

There has been an uptick in property crime and shootings, according to CMPD data released last week. More staffing will allow the law enforcement agency to be more proactive in their response. 

"That is going to assist us in having more presence in the community," Hulsey said about recruiting more officers.

"Our 911 calls are up 8%," Hulsey said. "This is an increase of nearly 60,000 calls for service year to date."

Overall hiring for the department, including both sworn and non-sworn positions, has increased by 22% in 2023, according to the department. Total sworn trainee applications have increased 18% this year compared to 2022.

Reducing violent crime is currently Chief Johnny Jennings' top priority as property crime and shootings are up by 14%.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/cmpd-recruitment-hiring-police-officers/275-d5d3d6a4-53b8-4e4a-be2c-6f62b51cc6b9

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