CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- After requesting a ride-along with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari penned an open letter about the experience and shared video from the ride-along on YouTube.

Republican city council member Tariq Bokhari requested a ride-along with CMPD.

He penned an open letter and released a video on YouTube about his experience.

In his open letter, he throws support behind a pay increase for officers.

The Republican councilman said that he requested the ride-along during police week in the midst of budget season and what he referred to as "hurtful tweets in the news."

The letter reads in part, "Friday night changed me. I was always a big supporter of what you all do, but after serving on council and dealing with these issues at a macro, policy level... I saw a lot that made me think differently. Putting aside the danger and the fast pace of the job that leaves little time for breaks or catching your breath... I saw a portion of our community that loved and appreciated you. I saw a portion that probably didn’t realize it but was abusing the system and wasting your time - but you still had to address. I saw a portion that was mad at you because of who you were. I saw a portion who was mad because you weren’t doing what they wanted you to do - and I saw in those examples something that gave me an ah ha moment - you patiently explained the law you have spent so much time learning - and they got frustrated only knowing that they just wanted you to make someone leave a public area who was bothering them or help them get a child they didn’t have full custody of... and because of that lack of understanding they blamed you for not doing what they wanted."

He continued, "I will work hard to make this budget produce an extra-ordinary outcome relating to your salary. And I promise you one more thing - the sentiments expressed in last week’s tweet is not how this city feels about you. You are loved and respected."

You can watch the video he posted on YouTube below:

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Read Bokhari's open letter in full on CMPD's Facebook page below: