CMPD Chief

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[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

This account is no longer active. While the page will remain visible, updates will not be posted here, and the account will not be regularly monitored. Please see the Charlottle-Mecklenburg Police Department's page @CMPD for updates and direct any messages to that account.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

I was truly humbled to have received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch at their Annual Freedom Fund Banquet last week. This honor is a reflection of the incredible people I have worked beside throughout my career and the community that inspires me every day. Thank you to the NAACP for this recognition! @CharlotteNAACP1

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

It has been an honor and sincere pleasure to serve as Chief of Police for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. I’d like to congratulate Estella Patterson and proudly welcome her back to @CMPD as the next Chief of Police. She accomplished great things during her previous tenure here and I’m thrilled that she is returning to lead the department. As an internal candidate with external experience, Chief Patterson brings familiarity with the agency and already-established, strong relationships in the community. I look forward to supporting her and seeing all that she will accomplish for the department and for the @CLTgov.

[CMPD News @CMPD]

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and @CLTgov proudly announce the next police chief, Estella Patterson. Patterson, who was formerly the Chief of Police at the Raleigh Police Department and started her career in law enforcement with CMPD, is the first female police chief in Charlotte’s history.

Patterson joined CMPD in 1996 where she was the president of her recruiting class. In her 25 years with CMPD, she held a variety of positions and ranks throughout the department. Patterson started her career as a patrol officer before spending time at the academy in both Recruiting and Training. She also served in Internal Affairs before being promoted to Deputy Chief where she led the Administrative Services group followed by the Patrol Services group.

Patterson was the Chief of the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) from August 2021 until her retirement in March 2025.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Patterson and welcoming her back to CMPD!

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Congratulations to our newest officers! You've made the honorable decision to answer the call to serve. You've earned your badge, and the trust that comes with it. It is an honor to have you join CMPD, the greatest agency in the country.

[CMPD News @CMPD]

We would like to extend an official welcome to the newest members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Congratulations, Recruit Class 201!

We are honored to have you join our ranks and proud to stand beside you in service to the community of Charlotte. The courage, discipline and commitment that you have already shown is remarkable, and we can't wait to see how that grows as you embark on your journeys as official CMPD officers.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend Doug Lebda, CEO of @LendingTree.

Doug was not only a visionary leader in the business world, but also a generous advocate for public safety.

His legacy of service and generosity will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Today, we welcomed 11 experienced law enforcement professionals, who bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our department. We are honored to have them join us in our commitment to serving the community of Charlotte . Congratulations Lateral Class 35, and welcome to the greatest agency in the country! @CLTgov

[CMPD News @CMPD]

Please join us in congratulating our newest officers who graduated today after completing an accelerated lateral training academy! These experienced law enforcement professionals have chosen to bring their skills, dedication and commitment to service to our community.

Welcome to the CMPD family, Lateral Class 35! We’re proud to have you join our ranks, ready to protect and serve the people of Charlotte.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

My deepest condolences go out to the family of @coach_sclark who tragically passed away. He was a former head coach and player at @appstate, where I had the privilege of knowing him. I remember calling Shawn to pitch the idea of 'Cops & Cleats' – a program to bring university athlete teams to the CMPD academy to experience what policing is all about. Before I could even finish asking, he immediately said yes. Shawn was an amazing coach, a great friend, and a strong supporter of law enforcement. He will be greatly missed.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Big congratulations to Jonathan Thomas on being sworn in today as the new @CharMeckSchools police chief! It's been an honor to see him rise through the ranks at @CMPD, from a dedicated Officer to a respected Major. We have full confidence in his ability to lead and keep our schools and communities safe. We wish him all the best in this new chapter and look forward to continuing to work alongside him!

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Today, we pause to remember the heroes of 9/11. We honor their courage and sacrifice, as it inspires us every day to serve and protect with the same bravery and dedication. Let us never forget their legacy of strength, resilience and unity. #NeverForget

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Congratulations to our graduates from the Civilian Leadership Development Institute Class 003. It was a proud moment celebrating our professional staff members whose dedication to growth and leadership is not only commendable, but also instrumental in shaping the future of our department.

[CMPD News @CMPD]

Today, we celebrated the graduation of the Civilian Leadership Development Institute Class 003!

Congratulations to our professional staff members who went above and beyond to take their leadership skills to the next level. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you'll continue to make as you lead with excellence and inspire change within our department and community.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

We were incredibly honored to be recognized by the @SecretService today. Thank you for acknowledging the tireless work of @CMPD’s Dignitary Protection Unit and SWAT Team during the busy 2024 campaign season. There is no greater compliment than to hear another agency recognize the professionalism and dedication of our officers. I’m grateful for the invaluable partnerships we share with our local, state and federal partners.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Today, we recognize several remarkable members of our department for their continued commitment to service, integrity and the safety of our city. To our new Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captain and Major, congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!

[CMPD News @CMPD]

Today, we honored 8 individuals for their exemplary dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to serving the city of Charlotte as we celebrated their promotions. Each promotion represents not only a professional milestone, but also a deep commitment to our department and the community they serve.

Congratulations to the newest CMPD Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captain and Major — we thank you for your continued service and look forward to the positive impact you’ll make in your new roles.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Despite the rain, the Charlotte community showed up strong for National Night Out! Last night, neighbors, officers and community partners came together to celebrate what makes our city special. It was inspiring to see new connections being made and long-standing relationships growing even stronger. Together, we’re building a safer, more united Charlotte, rain or shine!

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Retired Assistant Chief Vicki Foster was a dear friend and it was an honor for me to know her for the past 30 years. I was saddened and hurt by the news of her passing today and will pray for her family during this time. She will truly be missed.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Welcome to our newest Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers. It has been an honor to watch their growth and see the resilience and courage they have shown the past several months. I look forward to seeing the great work they will do for our community. Congratulations to the graduates on this remarkable achievement!

[CMPD News @CMPD]

This morning, CMPD welcomed 44 new officers to its ranks. Congratulations Recruit Class 200!

The months of hard work, dedication and determination have culminated into this moment of incredible accomplishment. Today, you took your last steps as recruits and took your first steps as official Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers. We look forward to the great work you will do serving the Charlotte community.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Congratulations to our 2025 CMPD College Intern Program graduates! This summer, they had a chance to see what a career in law enforcement is really like. We hope the experience inspires them to choose a future with CMPD. Thank you to everyone, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation, who has helped make this program possible!

[CMPD News @CMPD]

Congratulations to our 2025 College Intern Program graduates! The past eight weeks, they've shadowed officers across our patrol divisions and specialty units gaining valuable firsthand experience and insight into the opportunities offered with a career in law enforcement. We look forward to seeing what comes next in their journey and hope to see them back at the Academy as recruits. Wishing them all a promising future in public service!

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Today I had the opportunity to visit our officer injured in Sunday morning’s shooting and was glad to see he’s doing well and in good spirits. His actions were nothing short of heroic. I applaud his commitment to keeping our community safe and the sacrifice he made that morning.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Welcome to Recruit Class 202. You’ve made an honorable decision to serve others. This isn’t just a job, it’s your opportunity to make a lasting difference. We’re proud to have you join the CMPD family!

[CMPD News @CMPD]

Today, 55 CMPD recruits began their journey to the badge! Over the next several months, they'll learn the mental and physical demands of a career in law enforcement. Good luck, Recruit Class 202!

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Today we broke ground on CMPD’s newest division, the Northwest Division. This new division will bring essential resources closer to the community, allowing us to respond more quickly and serve more effectively. We look forward to seeing the Northwest Division take shape and to the vital role it will play in strengthening our service to every community across Charlotte.

[CMPD News @CMPD]

Today marked a groundbreaking moment for CMPD as we officially broke ground on what will soon be our newest division, the Northwest Division.  This momentous occasion represents more than just a new building; it reflects our unwavering commitment to serve every community in Charlotte to the best of our ability.  We’re excited to deepen our connection with the northwest Charlotte communities and look forward to the important work we’ll accomplish together.

[CMPD Chief @cmpdchief]

Congratulations to our newest K9 officers. Our K9 unit is an invaluable resource that plays a vital role in protecting and serving the Charlotte community. The skills they bring to CMPD have been crucial in solving countless cases. Looking forward to Cam, Lucky and Luffy’s contributions to the team!

[CMPD News @CMPD]

Congratulations to our newest officers: Cam, Lucky and Luffy! They're tracking, detecting and protecting one paw print at a time - sniffing out justice for the residents of Charlotte.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming video series following their journey through training!

#K9Unit #K9Graduates