CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Elected officials and the public have both spoken numerous times regarding the 2020 Republican National Convention happening in Charlotte. One group integral to the event: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

  • The city will receive a $50 million federal grant to be used for security
  • The bulk of those funds will go towards personnel costs, not equipment or surveillance cameras
  • Officers will also be protecting tons of elected officials and dignataries, as well as keeping protests non-violent

The 2020 RNC has been inked as a major economic win for Charlotte. But we’re now hearing an honest feeling about the event from police. The event, they say, could impact recruitment and retention.

The city will receive a $50 million federal grant to be used for security. But the city attorney says the bulk of those funds will go towards personnel costs, not equipment or surveillance cameras. Most of the funds will pay for housing, food, and training for the officers working during the RNC.

"The RNC may be something to push them further [towards retirement],” said Mark Michalec, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge CLT 39. “A lot of officers don't want to deal with it. That's what I've heard."

Michalec is referring to officers who are nearing retirement. "There are a number of officers that can leave with 25 years of service."

Following the city's experience hosting the 2012 DNC, "the city is a big enough city prepared to host major events, as well as our department," Michalec said.

But to secure such an event, he says, takes non-stop boots on the ground. "Officers, from what we're hearing, just not looking forward to the amount of work. The long hours, 12 to 16 hours days, no days off for a couple weeks straight."

Not only will they be securing event venues, but officers will also be protecting tons of elected officials and dignitaries, as well as keeping protests non-violent. "You go into tense situations and you go into volatile situations," Michalec added.

He’s confident, however, officers will get training similar to what they got in 2012. "Depending on what group you were with and what kind of task you were assigned,” he explained. I'm anticipating the same kind of training."

When it comes to how the event ultimately impacts efforts to hire more CMPD officers Michalec says, "...until the event actually happens, I can see both positive and negative."

Just like in 2012, officers from other cities and states will be brought in to help CMPD during the RNC.