Charlotte police officers allegedly turn traffic stops into a racist competition. Then investigators find their group chat
“Disgust, anger, frustration.”
Federal authorities are now investigating whether Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers acted on biased text messages after a group chat scandal surfaced. This development follows reports that several officers allegedly turned traffic stops into a racist competition, according to TMZ.
Investigators initially stumbled upon these disturbing messages during a separate probe into Officer Seth Elliott. He was under scrutiny for allegedly misusing police surveillance technology to help someone involved in a drug investigation. State investigators searched the phone of Officer Elliott and discovered a group chat containing racial, sexual, and religious biases.
WBTV reports that the messages reportedly included the frequent use of the N-word while officers discussed using force and firing guns at Black residents. Sources said that the chat included a contest among officers to see who could pull over the most Black drivers.
Chief Estella Patterson addressed the controversy
Speaking at a public safety briefing held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Chief Estella Patterson described her personal reaction to the findings as one of “disgust, anger, frustration.” Patterson noted that the situation is “deeply troubling” for the entire department. As a Black woman who built her career within this organization, she found the allegations particularly painful, per WCNC.
Seven officers were linked to these messages, which reportedly date back several years. One officer resigned in August. The department later recommended termination for the other six and suspended them without pay. Three of those six officers have since resigned, leaving three currently facing the Civil Service Board process. This board holds the final authority to terminate sworn officers.
Chief Patterson said she fully concurs with the recommendation to terminate the remaining officers. She also emphasized that the department is pursuing the revocation of their North Carolina law enforcement certifications. This move aims to prevent them from serving as police officers anywhere else in the state. Patterson stated, “And I hope that they will not be an officer anywhere in this country.”
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson confirmed that federal authorities will examine the messages. They are looking to determine whether officers took specific actions based on the bias expressed in those texts. “Was it just people talking or were they taking action because of this talk?” Ferguson said. “And that is the critical piece for a federal prosecution case.” He noted that racism is especially concerning when it involves police officers due to the significant authority they hold.
An extensive review is underway
The department is currently conducting an extensive review of body-worn camera footage, traffic stops, arrest records, and outside complaints. They want to see if this misconduct indicates a broader pattern or specific civil rights violations. Chief Patterson reported that their internal audit has not yet revealed evidence that residents were specifically targeted by these officers. She maintains that the department acted swiftly once the messages came to light.
Mayor Robert Harrington released a statement regarding the situation on Thursday afternoon. He expressed his shared concern for the community and emphasized that racism has no place in the city. “Every resident deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect by the people sworn to protect them and every resident deserves to feel that they will be treated in this manner,” the Mayor said. He also voiced his confidence in the steps taken by Chief Patterson.
This controversy occurred during a briefing meant to highlight public safety progress. The department reported that overall crime in Charlotte fell 17% from January 1 through September 30, compared to the same period in 2025. Violent crime dropped 15%, and property crime decreased 17%. The department credited these reductions to targeted enforcement and increased officer visibility in high-crime areas.
However, homicides increased by 10% during this same timeframe, rising from 60 to 66. Chief Patterson said that reducing violent crime remains one of her highest priorities. The department also reported a massive 192% increase in officer-initiated interactions in Uptown. Capt. Jeremiah Blow attributed this progress to the division’s operational strategy and increased police presence.
Despite this, the department faces intense scrutiny over the alleged conduct of these officers
Chief Patterson said she has held candid conversations with her staff about the controversy. She believes the vast majority of officers continue to serve with professionalism and integrity. She also stated that she will not allow the actions of a few individuals to define the work of the rest of the department.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the organization,” Patterson said. CMPD remains committed to transparency and accountability as it works to maintain public trust. The department is also reviewing its internal policies, training, and hiring practices to prevent future issues. The community continues to watch closely as the Civil Service Board process unfolds for the remaining officers.
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