Mike Patterson

Mike is a law enforcement professional. He works at the Edenton Police Department, where he has been since 2020. He previously worked at the Plymouth Police Department, where he began his career in 1992, and at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, where he was promoted to Sergeant in 2016.

Mike Patterson's campaign for Washington County Sheriff is his first entry into politics.

Believes in shifting the Sheriff's Office from a reactive to a proactive approach by increasing patrols in areas with higher crime trends.

Plans to increase the number of deputies per shift.

As of April 6, 2026, Mike Patterson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law, managing security in jails and courtrooms. They also oversee daily conditions of the jail and inmates in custody and serve legal documents such as warrants and eviction notices. Their ultimate responsibility is to protect the community. 

Responsible for enforcing the law and overseeing jails. 

Washington

Housing & Urban Development

North Carolina

Public Safety

Jail Management

Criminal Justice

Sheriff

Buket Urgen

Mike Patterson is a father of two. His son, soon to be 22, proudly followed in his footsteps and now serves as a Police Officer with the Ahoskie Police Department. His daughter, who will turn 14 in March, attends school in Elizabeth City and lives with her mother in Edenton. Mike is also rarely seen without his loyal sidekick, Croc, his small dog who insists on riding along whenever possible.

Mike is a law enforcement professional with more than 29 years of experience. He began his career in 1992 with the Plymouth Police Department. In 2016, he joined the Washington County Sheriff's Office, where he was quickly promoted to sergeant. In 2020, he returned to the Edenton Police Department as a patrol sergeant and later served as an investigator. He stepped away from that role in 2025 to focus on his campaign for sheriff.

Mike previously ran for Washington County sheriff in 2025 but did not win.

Roanoke Beacon

Supports moving the Sheriff’s Office from a reactive to a proactive approach by increasing patrols in strategic areas where crime trends show higher activity.

Supports increasing the number of deputies per shift to enhance law enforcement presence, responsiveness, and effectiveness in Washington County.

Said, "Public safety works best when law enforcement and the community work together. Mike believes we must increase community engagement across Washington County."

For Candidate Mike Patterson on Issue public-safety: Supports holding meetings to give citizens a voice and gather insights on public safety issues in their neighborhoods.

Supports expanding programs that engage children and young people to prevent crime and build trust in law enforcement.

For Candidate Mike Patterson on Issue jail-management: Advocates for proper training and modern equipment for the Sheriff’s Office.