Charlotte police officers face termination after racist texts allegedly discussed pulling over Black drivers

The messages surfaced during a separate state investigation into an officer accused of misusing police surveillance technology.

More than half a dozen officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have either resigned or been recommended for termination after allegedly racist text messages surfaced during a separate investigation, according to WBTV.

The messages reportedly included officers competing over who could pull over the most Black drivers, along with racial slurs and derogatory comments about Black residents in discussions involving the use of force and firearms, WBTV reported on Monday, Oct. 12.

The messages came to light during a North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation probe into CMPD Officer Seth Elliott, who is facing a criminal charge related to the alleged misuse of police surveillance technology. Investigators downloaded data from Elliott’s phone, which was subsequently turned over to CMPD for further review.

According to WBTV, an internal review found messages involving Elliott and other officers, prompting the department to launch its own investigation. Officers from multiple divisions reportedly faced an internal affairs review board last week, with several recommended for termination.

Those recommendations are not necessarily final. The officers may appeal through the Civil Service Board, and the ultimate decision rests with Police Chief Estella Patterson. Elliott’s attorney, George Laughrun, told WBTV that Elliott had resigned from the department more than a month ago and declined to comment beyond saying he was preparing for the criminal case.

In a statement to WBTV, CMPD did not confirm or deny the specifics of the reporting but emphasized its commitment to accountability.

“The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) remains unwavering in its commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service,” the department said. “We will not tolerate any behavior that contradicts our core values or jeopardizes the trust we have built with the community we serve.”

The allegations have renewed concerns about police accountability and the treatment of Black residents by law enforcement. They also echo previous cases involving officers whose racist messages have raised questions about their conduct on the job.

In a separate report published Tuesday, WBTV said defense attorneys believe cases involving officers implicated in the text thread may require additional scrutiny because the messages could call their credibility into question. Prosecutors may need to evaluate whether the information must be disclosed in cases involving those officers.