Ryan Lochte's Carolina Neighbors & Cops Still Have His Back

Ryan Lochte has plenty of staunch defenders left -- including police officers -- behind the gates of his Charlotte neighborhood ... TMZ has learned.

The embattled swimmer flew back Wednesday to the Carolina town where he now lives, and sources in his hood tell us Charlotte PD has at least two patrol cars dedicated to keeping haters, fans and media away from Lochte.

We're told police are posted at the security gate entrance, and there's another patrol car cruising the blocks around Lochte's house.

One source told us the Homeowner's Association is also keeping an eye on Ryan's place, and officers -- of the HOA, that is -- have banned interlopers for up to 99 years!

We're told there's been no sign of Ryan at the house since he got back to the States.