The organization said it is moving forward with a no-confidence vote against CMPD Chief Jennings after a controversial settlement.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police is moving forward in its plan to hold an official no-confidence vote against CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, the organization said Saturday.
The area’s FOP, which represents more than 1,700 police officers, reports that over 70% of voters so far favor moving forward with an official no-confidence measure. On Saturday, the organization said 800 members had voted.
This action follows a controversial closed-door settlement between the City of Charlotte and Chief Jennings, reportedly connected to a dispute initiated by former Council member Tariq Bokhari regarding officers’ ability to wear outer carrier vests.
The conflict between Bokhari and Jennings allegedly included strongly worded text messages from Bokhari threatening to push for the chief’s termination and “cripple his legacy” over the vest policy dispute.
When contacted about the voting process, a CMPD spokesperson told WCNC Charlotte the department had “no comment.”
Relations between the FOP and CMPD leadership have been strained following the April 29, 2024, ambush shooting that left four officers dead, including one CMPD officer. The organization first contested the chief’s position on outer carrier vests and later criticized the department’s transparency in reporting about officers who were unavailable to respond during the incident.
Krista Bokhari, wife of the former council member and potential appointee to fill his vacant seat, made a post defending her husband. She claimed the settlement resulted from the chief threatening a lawsuit and asking for more than $300,000, despite not having filed a lawsuit and what she characterized as the city having “no legal exposure” to claims by Jennings.
The mayor and other council members denied any claims of illegal or corrupt activity in statements made earlier in May.
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