Charleston’s First Black Female Captain Celebrates One Year: “Anything Is Possible”.
Captain Tonatte Mitchell looks back on her journey as the first Black female captain of the Charleston Police Department.
One year after making history as the first Black female captain of the Charleston Police Department, Captain Tonatte Mitchell says, “Anything is possible.”
Mitchell recently looked back on her historic promotion as she marked her one-year anniversary, attributing the achievement to hard work and dedication.
“Anything is possible if you work hard and stay focused on your goals,” Mitchell shared with ABC News 4.
A Charleston native, Mitchell is continuing her family’s legacy at the CPD, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Harold (Harry) Smith, one of the first Black officers hired by the department.
“Watching him patrol the area inspired my passion for what I do now,” she said. “He paved the way for me, and I know that without him, I wouldn’t have reached this position.”
“He always told me, ‘Just do your best, that’s all,’” Mitchell shared. “Those were his words: do your best and stay safe. So, I’m doing my best and staying safe.”
Mitchell takes pride in giving back to the community that shaped her. One of her greatest achievements in the department was helping establish two community centers, a resource she wishes she had growing up in Charleston.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t have a place where I felt safe, where I could get help with homework, play games, or interact with law enforcement,” she explained. “To be able to open two centers—one in Gaston Green and the other in Robert Mills Manor—means everything to me.”
She hopes to open more community centers to further strengthen the bond between the police department and the community they serve.
“What I want to achieve is more community centers, more officers engaging in outreach within the communities they serve, and closing the gap between law enforcement and the community,” she said.
Mitchell initially aimed to become a sergeant and was overwhelmed when she was promoted to captain. A year into the role, she reflects on the humbling experience and the vital need for mentors to guide the next generation of law enforcement officers.
“I’m grateful to be here, to contribute to the work that needs to be done in both the community and the police department,” Mitchell shared. “We still need mentors, and I’m glad to be one for the new officers. There’s still work to be done in the community, and I’m committed to being a part of it.”
