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CHARLOTTE – Thirty-four new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers graduated from the academy on Friday – and one of them is the result of a recruitment trip to Puerto Rico last year.

Although CMPD admitted the trip didn't have the results they were hoping for, they're still happy to add a 16-year law enforcement veteran to the force.

The new officers were just sworn in and are ready to patrol the streets of Charlotte. Among them is Luis Lopez. Lopez is the direct result of a recruiting trip CMPD took to Puerto Rico last May.

"I'm so excited," said Lopez. "I wanted to move to the States so when I saw this opportunity here as a police officer and both live in the States, that's why I applied for this department."

Although the department didn't net as many hires as it hoped for, Chief Rodney Monroe stands behind the recruitment process, especially when they can net a 16-year veteran like Lopez.

"He not only brings bilingual experience but a heap of other experience as it relates to dealing with diverse cultures," said Monroe.

Lopez begins his career with CMPD in the Westover Division, helping to bridge the gap between police and the Hispanic community.

"I can help the people that come from a Hispanic country, that don't speak English,” added Officer Lopez. “So I'm here to help them to understand our job, to be friends with the people."

Lopez moved to Charlotte 24 weeks ago – the day before his training started.

CMPD will have one more graduating recruit class before the Democratic National Convention in September. Monroe said the department will then be operating at full staff.