Seven Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers linked to racist text scandal, five resign

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has identified seven officers involved in a scandal over racist text messages, according to WBTV and Fox Carolina. Five of these officers have resigned following the revelations, and the department moved to terminate six officers on October 9, Fox Carolina reported.

The texts reportedly included racist language and a contest over pulling over Black drivers, with frequent use of racial slurs, as revealed by sources cited by WBTV. Chief Estella Patterson described the situation as "deeply troubling" and noted that an independent board recommended termination for officers who had not resigned.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer, expressed concern about the impact on the department's image but said he was not shocked by the messages. He highlighted that while the medium has changed from graffiti in the 1980s to text messages today, such issues have persisted.

Community advocate Fonda Bryant, who works closely with police recruits, acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized that many officers are doing good work in the community. She urged the public not to judge the entire department based on the actions of a few individuals.

The department continues its internal investigation, and the next step involves the Civil Service Board, which has authority over termination decisions for sworn members, Fox Carolina reported. The incident has prompted calls for accountability and reflection within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.