Get to know: Officer Xavier Cullars

Xavier Cullars is a police officer at UNC Charlotte, proudly serving the community since October 2017. In January of this year, he apprehended a robbery suspect during what was supposed to be a routine trip to Walmart, which earned him praise from colleagues at CMPD. Oh. And it’s almost guaranteed he can beat anyone on campus at Madden NFL.

When did you start with Police and Public Safety? What led you to University policing?
I have been with Police and Public Safety for one year and five months. Before that, I was with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office for three years as a detention officer. I came to UNC Charlotte because I wanted to further my career in law enforcement and this seemed like the perfect place to do that.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like helping people. Making a difference in someone’s day makes my day. I will always do what I have to do [to ensure the safety of campus], but I try to approach everyone with respect and understanding. I like to close cases. I always give 100 percent because I don’t like leaving anything open.

What does community policing mean to you?
It means showing your face, getting to know people and letting them get to know you. Your first line of defense is ensuring your community knows you are present.

Describe one your most memorable moments since you started at UNC Charlotte.
One day, we received a report about an assault in a bathroom in Atkins Library. My sergeant and I responded to the scene. As we talked to the woman who made the report, it became clear she was experiencing mental health issues and that an attack had not taken place. She didn’t want us to contact her family members to come get her out of fear for their safety. Eventually, though, I was able to talk to her and get the information I needed to get in touch with her children, who gave me her home address. I was able to take her home that night, ensuring she was safe. It took about four hours from beginning to end, but it was worth it.

What is one thing about UNC Charlotte that you have discovered as a police officer that might surprise others?
Our students care about each other, they look after each other. Our students know about the resources available to them, like the Help Seeking Protocol, and use them to make sure others are taken care of. If someone has had too much to drink and needs our help, their fellow students are not afraid to make sure they get it. They don’t leave their friends in trouble. The resident advisors also do a great job in helping us take care of our students.

Editor’s note: The Help Seeking Protocol is a collaboration between the Center for Wellness Promotion, the Office of Student Conduct, Housing and Residence Life, Police and Public Safety, and the SGA Judicial Branch. According to the Center for Wellness Promotion’s website, the protocol provides “an opportunity for students under the age of 21 to seek or receive help in an emergency when he/she has violated the university’s alcohol & drug policy without the fear of University Judicial Sanctioning.”

Photo courtesy of Zach Butera

You recently had an interesting trip to a local Walmart. Can you tell us about it?
It was my day off, and I was getting ready to start my first day shift on campus in eight months. That morning I realized I was getting low on toothpaste, so I ran to Walmart on Albemarle Road. I was at the self-checkout talking to my fiancée on the phone when I heard people screaming. I told her to hold on and put the phone in my pocket. I heard people yelling, “Get him! Get him!” and I saw a man walking really fast toward the front door holding lots of money in his hands. I ran toward him and tackled him to the ground. I identified myself as a police officer, checked him for weapons and detained him until CMPD could arrive.

You were off duty that day, so why did you act?
As a police officer, there is no such thing as off duty. It’s instinctive. You don’t think, you just go. I am sworn to protect and serve people all the time, that’s how I feel. I would do it again.

Editor’s Note: Cullars was recognized by CMPD for his efforts on Jan. 22. He “knew something was not right and took appropriate action to detain the subject and solve this case. His professionalism and willingness to act should be commended,” wrote Sgt. Christopher Frunzi in an email to UNC Charlotte Police Chief Jeff Baker.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m actually a professional gamer. I play Madden NFL professionally and have been flown by Microsoft to the past two NFL Super Bowls to play for tickets. You compete locally through the Microsoft Store and then the top two players get to go play nationally at the Super Bowl. I also play NBA2K professionally. Gaming really gave me focus and kept me out of trouble as a kid. I went to school, and I played video games. It’s turned out pretty well!

I am also a gym rat, and I enjoy spending time with my 11-year-old daughter, who inspires everything I do.

Interview: Christy Jackson
Photography, top: NiCole Lynch