The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is facing serious questions after an investigation uncovered alleged racist text messages involving multiple officers.
Six CMPD patrol officers have reportedly been suspended without pay and recommended for termination, while another officer connected to the matter has resigned.
The messages were discovered during a separate North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation probe into former officer Seth Elliott, who was accused of improperly using law enforcement technology.
According to sources who spoke with WBTV, the private text conversations included racial slurs and derogatory comments about Black residents.
The sources also alleged that officers discussed competing to see who could pull over the most Black drivers and exchanged disturbing comments involving the use of force and firearms.
Another local report obtained a message in which one officer reportedly acknowledged that the group’s conversations sounded like a “Klan rally.”
Some of those specific allegations have not been independently confirmed by CMPD, and the officers have not been criminally charged in connection with the messages.
The department says it will not tolerate conduct that violates its values or damages the trust it has built with the community.
CMPD Chief Estella Patterson has emphasized accountability and said officers who violate department policies or the law will face consequences.
The six officers facing termination will have their cases reviewed through the city’s Civil Service Board process.
The investigation has also raised ques