CHARLOTTE — Channel 9 sat down one-on-one with the new chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Thursday.
Estella Patterson was appointed as the new chief of the department last month, becoming the first woman to lead the force.
She aims to make Charlotte the safest major city in the country by improving staffing levels, boosting morale within the department, and repairing relations with the Fraternal Order of Police.
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“This is a city that I love, a police department that I absolutely know, so just coming back was a natural for me,” Patterson said.
Patterson first joined CMPD as a rookie officer in 1996 and has since climbed the ranks, serving as the police chief in Raleigh before returning to Charlotte.
In her first week on the job, Patterson faced challenges, including a recent stabbing incident on the Charlotte light rail. Although the victim survived, the incident raised concerns about public safety.
“When something like this happens, it does have an impact moving forward,” Patterson noted, emphasizing the department’s ongoing collaboration with Charlotte Area Transit System to enhance security.
CMPD has been understaffed for years, and Patterson has prioritized increasing staffing numbers and improving retention by fostering a positive work environment.
She is committed to community engagement and transparency, believing these elements are crucial for effective policing.
With Patterson’s leadership, CMPD hopes to address staffing challenges and strengthen community relations, aiming for a safer Charlotte.
VIDEO: Feds charge suspect in latest light rail stabbing
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