CMPD chief marks first 100 days, highlights crime reduction efforts and calls for collaboration

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Estella Patterson is marking her first 100 days leading the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, pointing to progress in crime reduction while emphasizing the need to continue to strengthen partnerships across the city and county.

In a video message, Patterson said her first few months focused on listening and learning, meeting with officers, engaging with the community and assessing the department’s culture.

Patterson said transparency has been a priority from day one.

“I am committed to leading the department with integrity, transparency and a deep respect for the community we serve,” Patterson said.

Patterson said she is encouraged by declining crime trends and strong case clearances, but remains concerned about the dangers officers continue to face.

“Our officers should never be placed in additional danger because of individuals who pose a threat,” Patterson said. “They’re not being held accountable. Ensuring meaningful accountability through the justice system will be a key priority for me.”

Part of that strategy includes targeted enforcement efforts like “Queen City Safe,” which launched earlier this year.

CMPD says the initiative focuses on high-visibility patrols and strategic enforcement. Between January and February, officers made more than 250 traffic stops, issued 84 citations, made 52 arrests and seized 22 firearms. Police also confiscated more than 2,000 grams of narcotics and over $10,000 in cash.

Patterson stressed enforcement alone is not enough.

“We cannot arrest our way out of community challenges. We have to work together as a community,” Patterson said.

She added that working with the district attorney’s office and magistrates will be key to ensuring repeat and violent offenders are held accountable.

Local leaders say they are seeing progress, and support a collaborative approach.

“We are seeing real leadership. Chief Patterson has set a tone for accountability,” Charlotte city councilmember Dimple Ajmera said.

Ajmera said the city has seen an overall drop in crime but noted that perception still matters.

“In addition to addressing data … we have to also focus on perception. How people feel,” Ajmera said. “We’ve got to make sure that people feel safe.”

At the county level, leaders say its important that no community feels overlooked.

“Crime may be going down in one category, but it may not be the same category that people are dealing with in their particular community,” Mecklenburg County Commissioner Mark Jerrell said.

Jerrell said listening to residents and addressing their concerns is critical to building a more proactive approach to public safety.

He added that Mecklenburg County takes a public health approach, pointing to factors or resources like education, transportation, jobs and mental health as key components in reducing crime.

“All those elements are important to help drive crime down … it is a collaborative effort,” Jerrell said.

Another major priority for Patterson is improving officer morale, wellness and retention.

“When our employees are healthy, motivated and supported, they are better equipped to serve, protect and collaborate with our community,” Patterson said.

Patterson is calling on the North Carolina General Assembly to approve a 10% pay raise for officers and provide funding for take-home vehicles measures she says would improve recruitment and retention.

Ajmera said she supports those efforts.

“If you want to recruit and retain the best, the state has to step up … we can’t expect results without investment,” Ajmera said.

Patterson said the first 100 days are just the beginning.

“These first 100 days are a foundation, not a finish line,” Patterson said. “There is more work ahead.”

As CMPD looks ahead, Patterson said continued collaboration with city leaders, county officials and the community will be essential to building on early progress and improving public safety across Charlotte.

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