Charlotte-Mecklenburg police welcome new batch of officers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - They’re ready to protect and serve. The newest recruits for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department became sworn officers on Friday.

Class 205 graduated the morning of Friday, Nov. 6, before they received their badge, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief made sure to send them off with some words of wisdom.

“At CMPD, we are one team, with one mission, fighting one fight, and that is to protect our great city,” said Chief Estella Patterson.

As they begin their new careers, the officers know they have some tough challenges ahead.

“It’s very surreal. I’m so excited,” said new Officer Savannah Bourgeois.

After eight months of hard work, training, and tests, 20 new Charlotte-Mecklenburg police recruits can now call themselves officers.

“It’s hard work, but again, nothing that’s worth having is easy,” says Officer Bourgeois.

Officer Bourgeois spent years as a crime scene investigator before making the switch.

“I really enjoyed the work, but I wanted to be first on scene,” Bourgeois said. “I wanted to help people. I wanted to help the officers if they were in need.”

The final weeks of training came with a stark reminder after allegations of racist text messages between now former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers made headlines.

Also Read: ‘Everything we do the public sees’: Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief answers questions about racist texts

“It’s embarrassing to see, and we’re not even a part of it. So, it’s hard to know that we’re going into a climate which rightfully so is upset with the police,” Officer Bourgeois said.

Chief Patterson reminding the recruits Friday that they are always under a microscope.

“In this profession, all eyes are on us. If we have a misstep, we typically don’t get the benefit of the doubt. Please pause and think before you act,” Chief Patterson said. “Despite the noise and the nonsense of recent weeks, today is a super exciting day, and it’s your day to relish.”

Officer Bourgeois said she’s ready to prove to the community Recruit Class 205 is in uniform for all the right reasons.

“We’re people as well, but we’re here for you and we’re here to help you. That’s why we started this. That’s why we began this journey. So just let us be there for you and let us help you,” Bourgeois said.

The new officers have already been assigned to a division and will be on patrol soon.