Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings will retire at the end of the year, he announced on social media.

He has been with the department since 1992.

Jennings has faced criticism in recent months, including over a six-figure settlement from the city after a former city council member sent threatening messages to the chief. The Fraternal Order of Police, which represents officers with CMPD, is in the process of holding a no confidence vote on the chief, the group said.

"I have been humbled to serve this community for 33 years including the last 5 years as your police chief. Today, I'm announcing my retirement effective at the end of the year," Jennings said on X at about 7 p.m. Sunday.

Jennings became police chief in 2020 as the country grappled with COVID lockdowns and the reckoning over policing tactics after the death of George Floyd.

The Fraternal Order of Police did not directly comment on Jennings's announcement.

"It's Memorial Day weekend. Our focus is on the women and men who laid their lives down to defend this great country. We will focus on that as it's more important," the fraternal order said on social media.

Jennings has had a tense relationship with some officers in 2024 when he criticized frontline officers from Charlotte for wearing outer carrier vests at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Some officers said they preferred the vests to carry their equipment. The vests do not provide extra protection.