CHARLOTTE, N.C, -- The Raleigh Police Department said they visit Charlotte about 20 to 30 times a year for recruitment.         

“Like any other event, we go to we look for new officers, we look for people who want a change of scenery and start again in raleigh and come in as a lateral [transfer],” said Sgt. Edwin Garcia, Raleigh Police Department.          

RPD’s next recruitment trip is this Friday at the Westin Hotel in Uptown. This comes after dozens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers asked city council for a 15 percent raise last week.  

Mark Michalec, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge nine said the timing of this event reinforces their requests for better pay and benefits.

"They jumped on an opportunity to do some recruiting in Charlotte seeing that many officers are not happy or disgruntled and see what they can do to entice them to come to their department,” Michalec said.

Michalec believes new recruits are comparing departments for the most competitive pay.

“Unfortunately the pay and benefits are right there at the top and we need to improve those to keep the officers here and bring in qualified candidates to work here,” Michalec said.

Currently, a starting salary in Raleigh is $41,068 with a three percent raise after graduating from the academy - compared to CMPD which is $43,492. But, a 15 percent raise would be an addition $6,500 which would increase a new CMPD officer's salary to $50,015.

The city is launching a "Be The Difference" CMPD recruitment campaign which is targeting lateral transfer officers and new recruits.

Mayor Vi Lyles said city council will review FOP’s requests during budget negotiations.

“I think that we're going to see what the market rate studies say and see what recommendations we have,” Mayor Lyles said.

In a statement released by CMPD, Deputy Chief Jeff Estes said it’s not uncommon for departments to recruit in neighboring cities.

“Raleigh, like Charlotte, is actively recruiting many of the same people interested in a career in law enforcement, so it’s no surprise that they would recruit from the most vibrant and populous city in NC CMPD recruits all across the state for the same purpose,” said Estes.