Discovery of North Carolina police officers’ alleged racist texts prompts review of arrest records

Key Points:

• Five officers recently resigned and a sixth remains suspended from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) after racist texts were discovered during an investigation into misuse of the department’s Flock camera system.
• Police Chief Estella Patterson described the messages as "deeply troubling" and has initiated a full review of body-worn camera footage and arrest records, as well as requesting an FBI civil rights investigation.
• The officers involved, all hired between 2022 and 2024, included individuals previously recognized for leadership and performance, with texts containing racist slurs and references to white nationalist groups.
• None of the officers have been criminally charged related to the texts, but Patterson is pursuing termination and the revocation of their state law enforcement licenses.
• Patterson emphasized that while the misconduct is serious, the majority of CMPD officers serve the community with respect and professionalism, and the department is committed to accountability and addressing any systemic issues.