Six officers from a North Carolina police department resigned or were suspended following the discovery of alleged racist texts, prompting a review of their arrest records and a civil rights investigation.
Five officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department (CMPD) have resigned, and a sixth remains suspended following an investigation that uncovered alleged racist texts exchanged among them. The messages were discovered during an inquiry into the misuse of the department’s Flock camera system, according to the police chief, Estella Patterson.
The CMPD released personnel files identifying the officers after a public information request by local media. The department has launched a full review of body-worn camera footage and arrest records related to the officers, and has requested a civil rights investigation from the FBI. The officers involved were hired between 2022 and 2024, with one having previously received an employee of the month award. The department has also stated its commitment to accountability and transparency, while respecting the integrity of ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
Why it matters
The resignations and suspension reveal immediate internal accountability triggered by the discovery of racist texts during the Flock camera investigation.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch for CMPD's public release of findings from the Flock camera misuse investigation involving the suspended officers.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.