UNC Charlotte alumnus Kerr Putney has been named as the new police chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department effective July 1, 2015.
“I am extremely proud to announce the first internal promotion to the position of CMPD police chief,” City Manager Ron Carlee said. “Putney has the desired characteristics we want in a police chief including strong leadership, listening skills, an understanding of diversity and the ability to build relationships with the community. He will provide the continuity that is critical for building on the success of CMPD in protecting the life and property of people in our community and building highly effective police- community relations.”
Putney, who currently is deputy chief with CMPD, earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology in 1992. He received his master’s degree in criminology from East Carolina University in 2008.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the city manager’s decision to appoint me as the next chief of police of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.” Putney said. “Throughout my career, I have always strived to seize all available opportunities for personal and professional growth to better prepare for the position of chief. I consider it an honor to lead the exceptional men and women of this agency. I look forward to working with the community to build strong, deep partnerships that foster a sense of greater understanding and mutual trust as we continue to make Charlotte-Mecklenburg one of the safest communities in the country.”
The city manager consulted with Chief Rodney Monroe, the deputy chiefs, mayor, city council, elected officials, neighborhood leaders, institutional leaders and the law enforcement community during the selection process. The results of these conversations led to an internal search because of the strong candidates within CMPD.
“Deputy Chief Putney’s long-standing leadership in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department along with his strong community relationships in our city makes him an excellent choice to be the next police chief.” Mayor Dan Clodfelter said. “He has proven himself to be an effective and engaged leader and I am confident this will continue.”
Putney joined CMPD in 1992. He has held a variety of patrol, training and specialized assignments at various ranks within the organization. He was promoted to deputy chief in 2007. He is currently assigned to managing CMPD’s administrative services group. He also supervises the computer technology services bureau, the training bureau and the communications bureau.
“As the department transitions into new leadership under Chief Putney, I have the utmost confidence in his abilities as a leader,” Monroe said. “He is visionary and has a thorough understanding of law enforcement practices and its principles. I hold him in high regard and view him as an outstanding professional who has a great deal of talent and high ethical standards. My hope is that the community will support him in his new role as he continues to build upon existing relations and strategies that best serve all segments of the community.”
Putney will officially be sworn in on Monday, June 29, 2015.
