Breaking: Estella Patterson named CMPD's first female chief
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Estella Patterson. Photo: City of Charlotte
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has named Estella Patterson its next chief, bringing her back to the department where she started her career nearly three decades ago, the city announced Friday.
Why it matters: Patterson, previously Raleigh's police chief, will lead the 1,850-member force as Charlotte, like other rapidly growing cities, confronts mounting public safety concerns.
The intrigue: Patterson will be Charlotte's first female police chief. She began her career with CMPD as a recruit in 1996 and rose through the ranks over 25 years, from patrol officer to a deputy chief.
- She served as the Raleigh Police Department chief from August 2021 to March 2025, when she "retired."
The City of Charlotte declined to provide salary information, directing Axios to file a public records request.
- Outgoing chief Johnny Jennings' salary is $294,350.79, $141.51 an hour.
The big picture: CMPD reports year-over-year overall crime is down 8%, but public concern over violence is on the rise after several high-profile incidents, including the Aug. 22 light rail stabbing.
Zoom in: In a statement, Patterson said reducing violent crime and disorder would be among her top priorities.
- Raleigh reported that violent crimes overall declined in Patterson's last two years there, but at the same time, the number of homicides in the city increased.
- However, under her leadership, Raleigh's department reported achieving a 100% homicide clearance rate in 2024.
Patterson is also often credited with reviving morale at the Raleigh department. She launched and helped raise $4 million in two years for the Raleigh Police Foundation, a nonprofit "dedicated to empowering police."
- Upon her arrival, recruitment had nearly dried up, Axios Raleigh reported. But in three years, she cut the department's vacancy rate from 150 to 40, according to the city's press release.
What they're saying: Charlotte city manager Marcus Jones, who led the national search, said in a press release that Patterson's experience with CMPD and Raleigh "made her an ideal candidate to continue CMPD's successes but also bring new ideas to further the agency's growth."
What's next: Jennings, Charlotte's chief since July 2020, will retire at the end of the year.
- His departure was announced soon after Charlotte City Council approved a $305,000 settlement with Jennings to prevent a potential defamation lawsuit over comments made by one former elected.
- CMPD will introduce Patterson at a press conference on Monday morning. She'll assume her new role Dec. 1.