PSR - November 1, 2025

Estella Patterson Named Police Chief for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police

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PSR
November 01, 2025

  • Estella Patterson named CMPD chief in 2025, first woman to lead department.

  • She reduced Raleigh vacancies and secured federal grants for crime tech.

  • Her tenure drew scrutiny in a 2023 case but emphasized community policing.

Top News

Estella Patterson Named Police Chief for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, Oct. 31, 2025) – City of Charlotte Manager Marcus D. Jones announced today that Estella Patterson will be the next Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Police Chief. Patterson, who was formerly the Raleigh Chief of Police and started her career in law enforcement with CMPD, is the first female police chief in Charlotte’s history.

www.charlottenc.gov/cmpd/News-Information/Newsroom/Estella-Patterson-Named-Police-Chief-for-Charlotte-Mecklenburg-Police-Department

People & Leadership

The city of Graham appointed a new Chief of Police | Here's what the new chief shared with us

The new chief will assume command on Nov. 3

www.wxii12.com/article/the-city-of-graham-new-police-chief/69222410

Strategic Initiatives & Funding

Bakersfield police awarded $400,000 grant to boost traffic safety, enforcement programs

The Bakersfield Police Department has received a$400,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and educat

bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/bakersfield-police-awarded-400000-grant-to-boost-traffic-safety-enforcement-programs-bpd-kern-county-california

DHS Opens Applications for Counter-Drone Grant Program

DHS estimates $250 million will be obligated in FY26 for its Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program, with additional funding to come.

www.executivegov.com/articles/dhs-counter-drone-grant-program

Greater Cincinnati township receives funding to boost traffic safety, police visibility

In response, the police plan to increase their visibility, work overtime, and organize educational and awareness events to help reduce these numbers.

local12.com/news/local/cincinnati-springfield-township-receives-funding-funds-federal-grant-money-boost-traffic-safety-police-visibility-overtime-work-officers-incidents-crash-crashes-wrecks-alcohol-drunk-driving-drivers-ovi-dui-injuries-fatal-fatality-killed-dangers

U.S. Sanctions Mexico-based Transnational Human Smuggling Ring

The transnational smuggling ring allegedly carried out its operations in collaboration with sanctioned smuggling network Hernandez Salas TCO and individuals linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.

www.occrp.org/en/news/us-sanctions-mexico-based-transnational-human-smuggling-ring

Tech Updates & Other News

EDITORIAL: More tools for the Springs’ crime fight

A year into the launch of the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center, the public is seeing proof that investments by local law enforcement agencies in cutting-edge technology like Flock cameras and drones are paying off in the Pikes Peak Region’s crime fight. The new technologies are on the job and doing yeoman’s work […]

gazette.com/2025/10/31/editorial-more-tools-for-the-springs-crime-fight