Some officers may look to retire early to avoid working Republican National Convention

Charlotte will host the 2020 Republican National Convention, an event sure to excite and invigorate many residents -- but some law enforcement officers are already trying to figure out how they can make sure they're not a part of it, WBTV reported.

Already facing a shortage of officers, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department could be desperately shorthanded by the time of the convention, with some officers plotting early retirements to avoid the intense, grueling week of work.

"It's a lot of long hours, no days off, for at least a few weeks," said Mark Michaelec, president of the local Fraternal Order of Police.

Is it really that bad?

Some veteran officers remember what it was like to work during the Democratic National Convention in 2012, and they want no part of another convention, especially during the current politically-charged era.

"Wearing the gear in the middle of the summer, sweating, God knows what being thrown at them, being said to them, just being degraded," Michaelec predicted.

Is the convention the only issue?

While some officers are planning their exit from the department because of the convention, there are other issues as well.

Michaelec said some officers are bitter about not getting raises they requested, and that there may be a "windfall" of officers leaving that could result in a shortage of 100 to 200 officers by 2020.

"It's definitely a strain," Michaelec said. "We're not recouping as fast as we need to. That's a major concern with the officers around here."

What's the solution?

There's still time to correct the issues that have officers unhappy, or for natural turnover to occur and result in officers willing to work at the convention.

Also, a $50 million federal grant will fund additional security, and other law enforcement agencies will assist with the large-scale event.