Hear from Chief Estella D. Patterson about her journey in law enforcement and her position as Chief of Police.

Estella D. Patterson was appointed as chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Police Department (CMPD) on Dec. 1, 2025. She returns to Charlotte, after
serving 25 years with CMPD and three and one-half years with the Raleigh
Police Department. Chief Patterson’s career reflects her passion and
commitment to public service. Her priorities lie in reducing violent crime and
disorder, enhancing community engagement and collaboration and
improving employee morale and wellness.

Chief Patterson began her law-enforcement career in 1996, as a member of
the 123 recruit class of CMPD. Over the next 25 years, she served in a variety
of roles from academy trainer to patrol sergeant, division commander,
recruitment commander and Internal Affairs commander. She was promoted
to deputy chief of police in 2019 and assigned over the Administrative Services
Group and later the Patrol Services Group.

In August 2021, Chief Patterson was selected as chief of the Raleigh Police
Department, serving until 2025. As Raleigh’s top cop, she led the capital city’s
police department of over 900 sworn and professional staff employees. During
her tenure, she introduced several firsts, including a Civilian Crash Investigations
unit and the Raleigh Police Department Foundation. Additionally, she led
efforts to reduce violent crime and restore trust between the community and
police.

Aside from serving her community, Chief Patterson served our country as a
member of the U.S. Army Reserve from 1996-2005. She completed combat tours
in Kosovo and Iraq and was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal
for meritorious service.

Chief Patterson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from
the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Science in
criminal justice from the University of Oklahoma. She is a graduate of the 245
session of the FBI National Academy and attended the 56 session of the Senior
Management Institute for Police. She is a member of the National Organization
of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and a commissioner on the
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Committee Fair

Before the luncheon, join us for our 2026 Committee Fair! Learn more about CREW Charlotte and what each committee does to find the right one for you!

Committees:
Authentic Leadership
Communications
Community Outreach
Global Network and Initiatives
Member Recognition
Membership
Professional Development
Programs
Special Events
Sponsorship
Student Outreach

The Revelry
10:00 a.m. – Committee Fair
11:00 a.m. – Networking
11:30 a.m. – Luncheon Meeting
$60 Members/$90 Guests

Thank You to Our Sponsor