Estella Patterson formally sworn in alongside NC Gov. Josh Stein

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department held a formal swearing-in ceremony for the new chief of police, Estella Patterson, Friday morning at the police academy.

The chief’s badge was pinned onto Patterson by her husband, a retired battalion chief at Charlotte Fire.

Moments later, Patterson took the oath for chief in front of North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, other city leaders and her former colleagues from the Raleigh Police Department.

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“Now that I have the honor of serving at the helm of this outstanding police department, I will seek to uphold everything that makes CMPD great, and I will continue elevating this department into its next chapter,” Patterson said at the ceremony.

Stein said he is rooting for Patterson as she embarks on this next chapter of her career.

“I want you and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to know I am in your corner,” the governor said. “I am counting, I am doing everything to help you to succeed because your success is all of our successes.”

Patterson is the first woman to ever lead the department. She spent 25 years with CMPD and was the deputy chief before she left to take the job as Raleigh’s police chief.

Patterson thanked her husband, family, and former CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings who looked on from the audience. Jennings helped Patterson with the transition.

“He has been extremely helpful in getting me up to speed in what’s going on in the organization,” Patterson said.

She talked about her priorities.

“That’s my No. 1 priority is building the morale within the organization, making sure everyone has a voice and they know they are part of the solutions.”

Stein noted Patterson’s success at filling 75% of vacancies at the Raleigh Police Department.

Hiring and retention and higher pay is on her radar.

“We got to make sure they’re well compensated, that they have all the benefits and things that they need,” she said.

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