CMPD

​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Process​

In an effort to help educate the community in understanding the methods involved and timing associated with the release of information in an officer-involved shooting, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) explains this process as well as the body worn camera video release procedure. ​​​​
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​“When an officer fires a weapon, two parallel investigations​ take place, each involving multiple steps,” said CMPD Chief Kerr Putney. “It is important to tell the public what has occurred. But two things must be considered:

  1. the integrity of these active investigations is paramount.

  2. ​ CMPD does not have the authority to release certain information, such as body worn camera video, without authorization from a superior court judge.”
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The administrative and criminal investigations are launched simultaneously.

  • ​​ Administrative investigation: The officer’s actions are reviewed by the Internal Affairs Bureau to determine if he or she followed department policies and procedures during the incident.

  • Criminal investigation: The officer’s actions are reviewed by the CMPD Officer-Involved Shooting Team, the State Medical Examiner’s Office and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office.

  • Body worn camera video: The review of body worn camera video captured during the incident is part of these investigations. State law prohibits CMPD from releasing BWC camera video without authorization from a superior court judge. Anyone in the community may petition a judge for the release of the video. The judge then determines if and when the release takes place.

    • Note: This piece of the investigation is considered along with witness interviews, evidence gathered and reviewed and more before an outcome is determined.


For more information on OIS statistics, ​visit our Open Data portal for a breakdown of OIS shootings by Incidents, Individuals and Officers.

graphic of OIS investigation chart

graphic of BWC video release process chart

graphic of BWC video still​
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