Discretionary Release of Internal Affairs Investigation Records Concerning 6 CMPD Sworn Officers

Petition addressed to: Mayor Rob Harrington, Dimple Ajmera, LaWana Mayfield, James Mitchell Jr., Dr. Victoria Watlington, Danté Anderson, Malcolm Graham, Joi Mayo, Reneé Perkins Johnson, JD Mazuera Arias, Kimberly Owens, Ed Driggs

POINT OF REFERENCE: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department suspended six officers without pay and recommended their termination following an investigation into racist text messages.

We respectfully ask that the City Council of Charlotte communicate with CMPD leadership and Internal Affairs to encourage the Discretionary Release of any records that may lawfully be disclosed. We believe the community deserves transparency regarding this matter. When allegations of inappropriate conduct involve individuals entrusted with public authority, residents should have a meaningful opportunity to understand how the matter was investigated, what findings were reached, and whether appropriate action was taken.

The purpose of this petition is to request transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the administration of law enforcement within the jurisdiction of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. As members of the community served by CMPD, we believe public confidence is strengthened when allegations of misconduct, questions concerning departmental procedures, and matters of legitimate public concern are addressed through appropriate, lawful, and transparent processes. 

We respectfully request that the Chief of Police, Internal Affairs Division, and any other authorized departmental officials consider releasing, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law: 

 1. Any publicly disclosable records concerning the existence, nature, and status of the investigation.

2. Any final findings, conclusions, or administrative determinations that may lawfully be disclosed.

3. Any nonconfidential reports, summaries, policies, or other records associated with the investigation that are subject to public disclosure.

4. Any records that may be released in redacted form to protect confidential personnel information, private identifying information, witness information, or other information protected by law. 

5. Any other records for which disclosure is legally authorized and appropriate in light of the public interest. 

If the investigation remains ongoing, we recognize the Department's legitimate interest in protecting investigative integrity, witness safety, due process, and any other interests recognized by law. We nevertheless request consideration of any information that may be disclosed without compromising those interests. 

If the Department determines that some or all of the requested records cannot be released, we respectfully request a written response identifying the general categories of records withheld and the applicable legal basis for withholding them, to the extent permitted by law. 

We also request that the Department consider whether partial disclosure, redaction, a nonconfidential summary, or another lawful form of public communication would be appropriate. This petition is not intended to interfere with any ongoing investigation, influence the outcome of disciplinary proceedings, or prejudge the conduct of any individual. It is submitted solely to request lawful consideration of public access and departmental accountability.