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Channel 9 learns of complaints by officers within Huntersville Police Department

By Allison Latos, wsoctv.com
By Allison Latos, wsoctv.com

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Low morale, a lack of communication and not enough tools to do their jobs were concerns raised by police officers responsible for protecting the town of Huntersville.

The town administrator told Channel 9 those complaints aren’t the reason police Chief Cleveland Spruill resigned.

When he announced in December he was leaving, Channel 9 submitted a records request to find out how officers feel about working there.

[ALSO READ: Huntersville to police its own unincorporated areas]

There was positive feedback, but far more concerns and complaints.

Emails received through a records request reveal how Huntersville officers feel in their own words.

The town conducted a survey in November, asking for opinions on the police department's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

One officer wrote, “The threats I see with the Huntersville Police Department is the ineffective leadership because the ship is sinking quick and out of control."

Another police officer said: “There is too much work dumped on patrol. I already feel overworked and disappointed in myself for not being able to do constructive follow-up."

Another officer wrote, ”Every officer does not have access to the weapons and equipment that are needed, such as rifles.”

Huntersville resident Carrie Smith calls the feedback concerning.

“You definitely want your officers to have high morale and do their job well,” Smith said.

Commissioner Mark Gibbons believes a recent pay bump for police is already making a big difference.

“I think it's important we give them the tools to do their job,” Gibbons said. “They were worried that no one was looking out for them, but when they saw that happen, I think it helped a lot.”

Huntersville is seeing major growth.

Officers answer more calls, responding to more than 800 more calls in 2017 than 2016.

Next month, Huntersville will start searching for a new permanent police chief who can keep the department moving in a positive direction.

Bence Hoyle is running the Huntersville Police Department as interim chief.

The town manager told Channel 9 that in the past three weeks, he’s been focused on communication by meeting one on one with officers and going out on every shift to see what they personally experience.

Town leaders told Channel 9 they hope to have a permanent chief named by the summer.

The police department has about 100 officers, and there are seven openings.

Within the past year, six officers left, four to other agencies and two who changed professions.

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