Through the ranks

CMPD officer relishes every step on path to position as lieutenant

Many of us can’t imagine working for the same company for 15 years. It takes something more than the need for a paycheck to clock in at the same place, day in and day out. Imagine if working for your familiar employer also entailed putting your life on the line to protect your community. Such danger has been a factor for Lt. Alex Watson for the past 15 years, and he shows no signs of stopping.

“Ultimately everything that happens in your community,” says the recently promoted Watson, “is your responsibility.”

In January 1998, Watson entered the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Academy. Succeeding where many others have failed, he graduated four months later. His next step after being assigned to the Charlotte 1 Patrol division was to start on patrol. For the next three years Watson patrolled the streets of his community, resolving to keep the streets safe for all of us. In that time, his superiors noticed his dedication and enthusiasm for his job, and he transitioned to training and recruiting in September 2001. It was here that Watson was able to share his enthusiasm with prospective recruits.

Watson later returned to the line of fire after joining the SWAT Team, then was promoted again, this time to the rank of sergeant, in 2008. After that, he joined Internal Affairs. The transition from patrolling to administration work, he says, was one of his most difficult. Still, dedication to his job paid off yet again: In March of this year, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He is now one of 42 CMPD lieutenants.

So how has Watson kept going the past 15 years and what motivates him to shoulder so much responsibility? It all comes down to embracing the community that he protects and embracing the obligation to properly guide those who answer to him. Watson also credits his ability to perform his job so well to the amazing men and women who report to him.

In 1998, if you had asked Watson where he thought he’d be in 15 years, he couldn’t have predicted he would be here. However, he is certain that he “would do it all over again.”

Watson’s advice for anyone who is interested in joining the police academy? “Make sure you are there for the long haul and are career-minded. Your time here will be short-lived if you are only looking for a paycheck.”