Our Organization

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A Message from Chief Johnny Jennings​
Welcome. We are continuously seeking new and innovative ways to provide information to the community we serve in an effort to identify, apprehend and prosecute those who commit violent crimes. Our focus is to provide complete and thorough investigations for all of our victims and to be compassionate to the families and communities impacted by this crime. Please take a few moments to search the active investigations and cold cases.  If you have any information regarding these cases, please contact the Homicide Unit.  Any information you have may provide a voice for those victims who cannot speak for themselves.

The violent, unexpected death of a family member, intimate partner, or close friend is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face, and it prompts a wide range of emotional reactions. Co-victims also may find that the "normal" grief of losing a loved one is further complicated by the trauma or stigma of the crime.

There is no right or wrong way to feel when someone close to you is murdered. You may feel overcome with disbelief, anger, and sadness with an intensity never experienced before, or you may feel emotionally numb. It is normal for adults and children to experience such intense feelings in the days and weeks following a homicide, and then periodically over time. Survivors are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other problems, where extreme anxiety, fear, and sadness or nightmares and intrusive thoughts remain constant for weeks or months. Additional support and counseling are often very helpful in managing these overwhelming emotions.

The investigation and criminal justice process following a homicide may be confusing and traumatic for co-victims. Family and friends may have many questions about the way their loved one died. It is often important for you and your family members to remain in contact with the investigators and the victim assistance professionals assigned to the case in order to receive periodic updates about the investigation and court hearings, if there is an arrest.

Family members and friends often feel that they have little control over the criminal justice process or results. Investigations do not always lead to an arrest, arrests do not always end in prosecution, prosecutions do not always end in convictions, and convictions do not always lead to stiff sentences. If there is an arrest, the length of time from arrest to final disposition varies from case to case. Court rules and continuances can be very frustrating. CMPD’s Homicide detectives and CMPD’s victim services is there to help you through this process.

The Homicide Unit
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit is dedicated to serving the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. We are responsible for investigating all homicides, assaults which result in serious/critical injury to the victim, suicides and unattended deaths with unusual circumstances. We also handle police officer-involved incidents.

The Homicide/ADW Unit is comprised of one captain, one lieutenant, four sergeants, twenty-eight detectives and one investigative technician. Two detectives are dedicated to Cold Case investigations. The remaining detectives are divided into four squads each with a sergeant in charge.  The unit is overseen by a major and deputy chief.
 
Our detectives are expected to provide the victim's family as much information as soon as possible and to keep them updated throughout the investigation. They are also responsible for presenting cases to the District Attorney's Office and assisting in the prosecution of the cases in court.

If you need to reach one of our detectives, please contact them at their phone numbers or e-mail addresses listed here on the website. If you have difficulty reaching a detective or are not sure which detective you need to speak with, you may contact the Investigative Technician, Nicole Bain​​ at (704) 336-8626.
​
The Homicide Unit Unveils Tips Line 
Following a homicide, the lead Detective in the case can be reached by calling 704-432-8477​ (TIPS). We want the community to be able to directly speak to the detective to provide information regarding a homicide that occurs in their neighborhood. We encourage anyone with information to get involved and make the call that will help end the violence in your neighborhood.

​
​​
​​​