CHARLOTTE, NC – . A CMS resource officer has been placed on paid administrative assignment after charges of DWI and misdemeanor child abuse.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Officer Reginald Richardson has been with the department since April of 2011. He most recently served as one of two resource officers at Turning Point Academy, an alternative school in North Charlotte.
While off duty last Saturday, the State Highway Patrol arrested Richardson and charged him with driving while impaired and misdemeanor child abuse.
Some parents say they’re concerned that Richardson’s charges send the wrong message to students he works with.
“I’ve had a few run-ins with the officers on these grounds, and it doesn’t surprise me. I don’t think the staff is thoroughly checked. It just confirms some of my suspicions,” said Esperanza Alvarez, a North Charlotte resident and Turning Point Academy parent.
Other parents and students have a different impression.
“We have monthly parents night, family nights, and I met him then and it’s been nothing but positive,” said Stephanie Scott, a West Charlotte resident and Turning Point Academy parent.
“It’s pretty surprising. I didn’t think someone like him… because he is pretty nice, a good guy,” said Roman Gaston, a senior at Turning Point.
CMPD says Richardson has been placed on paid administrative assignment, which means he’s on desk duty and currently not working at the school.
CMPD has not said if or when Richardson will return to his SRO duties at Turning Point.
