A national search is underway to attract highly qualified candidates to apply to lead the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). CMPD serves the residents of the City of Charlotte and the unincorporated areas. The Chief of Police provides administrative direction for CMPD functions, operations, and personnel through the supervision of subordinate staff and review of their activities. The Department is supported by 1,936 sworn officers and 483 non-sworn staff with a Fiscal Year 2026 budget of $366,194,870 covering an area of 438 square miles with a population of over 900,000. It is the largest police department between Washington DC and Atlanta, Georgia.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement including serving as a Chief of Police, and or Deputy/Assistant Chief of Police of comparable size and complexity to Charlotte. The selected candidate will also be required to successfully complete all North Carolina, Basic Law Enforcement Training requirements within 6 months of hire date.
It is highly desirable that successful candidates have completed additional command/leadership training, such as F.B.I. National Academy, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police, or similar training experience. Candidates must possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License and acceptable driving record by the hire date. Residency within the corporate limits of the City of Charlotte is required within 3 months of hire date.

The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive salary with an excellent executive benefit package.

Candidates should apply by Friday, August 29, 2025. Interested candidates should email a compelling cover letter, comprehensive resume, and 6 professional references to apply@ralphandersen.com. If you have any questions or wish to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Robert Burg at (916) 630-4900. Detailed brochure available at www.ralphandersen.com.