As Chief Johnny Jennings prepares to conclude more than three decades of service with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, he leaves behind an agency shaped by his steady leadership, deep community focus and unwavering belief in what policing can be at its best. In this conversation, he reflects on the culture he worked to build, as well as the lessons that carried him through his career and the opportunities he sees ahead for the next generation of officers.
Read on for more from outgoing Chief Jennings on service, purpose and what it means to wear the CMPD badge with integrity.
What first drew you to join CMPD, and how has your view of service evolved since you started?
Well, I’ve told this story before – I never planned on working in public safety. I had a good friend recommend that I should apply. So I did, and in all honesty, I was stunned to get a call back for an interview. I didn’t choose law enforcement; law enforcement chose me. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
I’d say my view of service has evolved from enforcement to engagement. I’ve come to understand that true service is about building trust, listening to the community and being present. It’s about showing up with empathy, not just authority.
What do you hope officers joining CMPD today will remember about the culture you helped build?
I hope they remember that together we built a culture where character matters just as much as courage. Where doing the right thing even when no one is watching is the standard, not the exception. We worked hard to create a department that values transparency, accountability and compassion. This is a department where officers are supported, not just trained. Where wellness is a priority and where community engagement isn’t a box to check – it’s the heart of the job.
What advice would you give to sworn officers in their first few years of service about navigating a long and meaningful career in law enforcement in Charlotte?
First off, never forget why you started. This job will test you. It will change you in ways you never expected. If you stay grounded in your purpose, you’ll find meaning in every step of the journey.
Build relationships with your fellow officers and community members. Policing is a team effort. The strength of your support system will carry you through the toughest days. With that, always take care of your mental and physical health. This department supports officer wellness, and I encourage you all to take full advantage of those available resources.
Lastly, lead from wherever you are. You don’t need rank to make a difference. Every interaction and every decision is an opportunity to build trust and show what this badge truly stands for.
What are you looking forward to next, personally and professionally?
First things first – I’m going to take a breath, kick my feet up and put my phone on silent for the first time in 20 years. But in all seriousness, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, taking a step back to relax and reflecting on the journey. I’ll probably sneak in a little golf and fishing here and there. That said, I’m not someone who can sit still for too long. I still feel called to serve, just in a different way. This next chapter is about making an impact without a title, and I’m excited to see where that path leads.
How do you plan to stay connected (if at all) with law enforcement, the community or public service?
This community has given me so much over the past 33 years and I fully intend to stay connected. I’ve always believed that public service doesn’t end with retirement, it just takes a different shape. If I can help the next generation of law enforcement leaders navigate this profession with integrity and resilience, then I’ll consider that time well spent. Charlotte is home. And even though I won’t be wearing the uniform, I’ll always be invested in its safety, its future and the people who make it great.
What do you see as one of the biggest opportunities for CMPD in the years ahead?
One of the biggest opportunities for CMPD moving forward is to redefine how we engage with the youth and address juvenile crime. During my tenure and time as Chief, I saw firsthand how often young people were caught in cycles of crime. We have made great progress with our Juvenile Accountability and Diversion Empowerment team by monitoring at-risk juveniles to prevent recidivism, but we still need more support in this area.
Another opportunity is to continue to close the recruitment gap and develop the next generation of officers. Recruiting more officers isn’t about just filling vacancies. It’s about bringing people into the profession and retaining individuals who reflect the values, diversity and resilience of the department.
If you could sit down with each new recruit and share one message before they put on the badge, what would that message be?
Never forget what the CMPD badge represents. Every time you wear it, you’re making a promise to serve with integrity, to lead with compassion and to protect with courage. This job will challenge you, but it will also give you the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Any final thoughts you’d like to reflect on or advice you’d like to share?
Beyond the policies, programs or statistics, I’d say this: Leadership is about people. It’s about how you treat them, how you listen to them and how you show up for them. I’ve learned the most meaningful impact doesn’t always come from the big moments; it comes from the quiet ones. I’d remind everyone to never lose sight of the community you swore to protect.
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