Estella Patterson has been named the next Chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). She will succeed Chief Johnny Jennings at the end of the year.
Chief Patterson has deep roots at CMPD. She began her law enforcement career here as president of her recruit class in 1996, rising from patrol officer to instructor and deputy chief. She later served as Chief of the Raleigh Police Department, where she made major strides in recruitment, morale and violent crime reduction.
Returning to lead CMPD, Chief Patterson becomes the first woman to hold this role in the department’s history. Her priorities include reducing violent crime, strengthening community engagement, improving officer wellness and eliminating vacancies across the department. For all recruits, her arrival signals a renewed commitment to excellence, innovation and community partnership.
