Charlotte honors officers for community policing at annual Police Community Relations Awards

Alex Giles, an anchor at WBTV, emceed Friday night’s Police Community Relations Awards in Charlotte, where organizers recognized 10 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers and one youth for work the committee said strengthens ties between law enforcement and neighborhoods.

The event, presented by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee, highlighted officers nominated by residents across the county. "Tonight, we recognize officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to build bridges, solve problems alongside residents, and serve with heart and purpose," said Sam Smith Jr., chair of the committee.

Mecklenburg County Commissioner Elaine Powell recounted long-standing neighborhood ties to community policing, telling officers she has "never forget[ten]" the comfort first responders provided during tragic moments and urging them to take care of themselves. "Never go anywhere without thanking a police officer," Powell said, recounting advice she received and asking the audience to show gratitude.

Dolores Reed Smith, chair of the awards planning committee, outlined the program’s history and selection process, noting the awards began in 1979 and that more than 500 officers have been recognized over time. Organizers said nominations remain open year-round.

Emcee Alex Giles read nomination excerpts while presenters announced winners. Recipients and the reasons organizers cited included:

- Officer Anthony McGill (community services) — nominated for work with the Police Activities League and sustained youth engagement.

- Lieutenant Reggie Jenkins (Eastway Division) — recognized for accessibility, responsiveness and community problem-solving.

- Officer Kiwan Harris (school resource officer) — cited for de-escalation skills and positive interactions with students.

- Officer Jasmine Nevins (Central Division) — honored in absentia for consistent community presence and engagement.

- Officer Samuel Raues (Hickory Grove Division) — noted for liaison work with neighborhood boards and building trust.

- Detective Joy Emmanuel (Metro Division) — recognized for more than a decade of community service, including mentoring and direct supports for students.

- Officer Peterson Jean (North Division) — highlighted for school-based programs and founding a young leaders club.

- Officer Antoine Patterson — noted for work with the Citizens on Patrol program and youth mentorship.

- K-9 Detective Jonathan Sirdan (airport division) — cited for public demonstrations and careful planning to ensure safe, effective outreach.

- Officer Veronica Cruz Santos (Community Engagement Unit) — recognized for cultural outreach and serving as a Latina role model for youth.

Organizers also named Dolores Hamrick of West Charlotte High School as the youth award recipient; she was not present at the ceremony because she was at prom.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Estella Patterson thanked awardees and nominees and stressed that, while negative incidents sometimes receive outsized attention, "every single day our employees are doing magnificent things." She said CMPD aims to "build stronger partnerships with our community" to improve safety and trust.

The ceremony closed with remarks from Terry Bradley, the department’s interim CID director, who thanked volunteers and planning staff and encouraged continued community nominations. Winners were invited to the front for a group photograph to conclude the program.

The event organizers said the awards program has run for decades as a public recognition program; nominations are accepted throughout the year.