The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is forging ahead with a vote of no confidence against CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings. The decision comes after an internal FOP email on May 8 called on members to weigh in on whether to proceed with this vote, following a controversial settlement between Jennings and the City of Charlotte purportedly linked to a dispute with former council member Tariq Bokhari, as confirmed by QC News.
Despite the controversy surrounding the department, which intensified in the aftermath of the April 29, 2024, ambush that left four officers dead, contention continued, this time over the police department's policy on outer carrier vests - an issue that sparked the initial clash between Jennings and Bokhari and led to reportedly strong-worded texts from Bokhari. On the accountability front, the CMPD remains tight-lipped about the impending FOP vote, offering "no comment" when pressed by WCNC Charlotte journalists.
The internal survey prior to this decision showed a significant tilt, with over 70% of the more than 800 respondents backing the motion for an official vote, a fact reported by WSOCTV. The Board of Directors of the FOP is now tasked with ironing out details on how to conduct this critical vote effectively and inclusively for its membership base.
Amidst this unfolding saga, Krista Bokhari has stepped into the fray, defending her husband, the former councilman, by alleging on social media that Chief Jennings had sought a large settlement without filing a lawsuit and without the city having any "legal exposure", according to information furnished by WCNC Charlotte.
