Charlotte officers reportedly held contest to pull over most Black drivers

The short version

• Jalopnik reports that several Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were caught in a game to see who could pull over the most Black drivers.[Jalopnik]
• The activity surfaced during an unrelated probe of former officer Seth Elliott, who was investigated and arrested over misuse of Flock cameras.[Jalopnik]
• The text thread reportedly included racial slurs tied to use of force and discharging firearms at Black residents.[Jalopnik]
• Some officers have resigned and an internal affairs board has recommended firing others, with Chief Estella Patterson deciding any appeals.[Jalopnik]

Key facts

• Several Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were reportedly caught playing a game to see who could pull over the most Black drivers.[Jalopnik]
• The activity came to light during an unrelated investigation of an officer misusing Flock cameras.[Jalopnik]
• Seth Elliott was investigated and arrested for searching an undercover officer's license plate and providing it to the subject of a drug investigation.[Jalopnik]
• Elliott was reportedly part of a text message thread among several officers discussing how many Black drivers they could pull over.[Jalopnik]
• The text thread reportedly contained racial slurs related to the use of force and discharging firearms at Black residents.[Jalopnik]
• Some of the officers involved have already quit, and the internal affairs review board has recommended termination of several others.[Jalopnik]
• Chief Estella Patterson will make the final decision on the officers, who can appeal.[Jalopnik]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

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