Unmasked: Redefining Protect & Serve

CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, sworn into office July 1, 2020, is an innovative and forward-thinking public servant who uses strategic and technological solutions to positively impact operations and produce data-driven results.

Jennings joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department as a member of the 108th recruit class in October 1992.

He has held a variety of positions and ranks throughout the organization including sergeant over criminal intelligence, patrol sergeant and captain over the North Tryon Division, major over intelligence, investigations, special operations, Office of Professional Responsibility and deputy chief over patrol, special services, administrative services and the support services groups including the Community Services Bureau.

Keith Way is a Charlotte native who graduated from the Charlotte Police Academy as a member of the 90th recruit class. His first law enforcement assignment was with the Charlotte Park Rangers before transferring over to the Charlotte Police Department just before the merger of the city and county police departments. Over the next 24 years, he saw assignments as a community coordinator in 3 districts, law enforcement liaison for a youth program and Police Athletic League (PAL) athletic director. He spent the final 9 years as a domestic violence detective before retirement. During his tenure, he was published by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) in a new system to identify domestic violence victims before they were actual victims and to reduce repeat victimization. He retired in 2017. Presently, he is head of security for a Grammy award winning artist and his staff.

Jasmine Nivens is a native of Charlotte, NC. While in high school she gained an interest in law enforcement, sparked by job shadowing a CMPD detective. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2014 from North Carolina Central University. In her spare time she enjoys working out at my CrossFit gym, horseback riding and traveling. Her faith keeps her grounded and she considers her mother, father, and brother her support system. Officer Nivens lives life by the golden rule, "treat people the way I want to be treated." She believes that rule alone helps her to do her job in the most safest, professional and productive manner. "I swore to protect and serve the city of Charlotte and I will do so the best way that I know how."