Demand For Bilingual Officers Growing In Charlotte

With Mecklenburg County, N.C., continuing to see an Hispanic population growth, CMPD officers say there's a need for even more bilingual officers.

"We do need a lot more," said Officer Rafael Hernandez Saturday while patrolling a lowrider car show at the Metrolina Expo on Statesville Road.

Hernandez estimates there are about 30 Spanish-speaking officers on the force. He said bilingual officers are especially important at predominantly latino events like Saturday's car show.

"A person gets hurt or something and they can't communicate something really serious, in a split second, I'm there to help," said Hernandez.

Hundreds of Hispanics attended the event, and officers said things went smoothly