University of Tennessee Police Chief Sean Patterson has been sworn in as president of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP), taking the reins of one of the state’s most influential law enforcement organizations with a message rooted in leadership, collaboration and preparing the next generation of police leaders.
Patterson officially assumed the presidency on July 23, 2026, during the association’s 56th annual conference, where he outlined a vision centered on honoring the organization’s history while continuing to strengthen Tennessee law enforcement through professional development, accreditation and mentorship.
“It was created to make a difference,” Patterson said of the association, reflecting on TACP’s founding in 1970 when police chiefs from across Tennessee came together to help shape statewide law enforcement standards. “More than 55 years later, I believe our responsibility is to continue that work by doing three things: honor the legacy, strengthen the present and prepare the next generation.”
Patterson succeeds Chief Don White, whom he praised not only for his leadership over the past year but also for his lasting friendship. Patterson said the two first met while attending the FBI National Academy, a relationship that ultimately influenced his own journey to Tennessee.
“You don’t just meet Don White,” Patterson told attendees. “You become his friend for life.”
Originally from the Northeast, Patterson joked that former TACP President and University of Tennessee Associate Vice Chancellor Troy Lane “took a chance by hiring a Yankee with a funny accent.” That opportunity marked the beginning of a career dedicated to serving Tennessee law enforcement.
Since joining the University of Tennessee Police Department, Patterson has become recognized as a strong advocate for professional policing, leadership development and collaboration among agencies. He has served on numerous state committees, collaborating with law enforcement leaders across Tennessee to strengthen policing practices, advance professional standards, and promote continuous improvement.
In his inaugural address, Patterson emphasized that the association’s greatest strength is not found in policies or training manuals but in the relationships among its members.
“If you had a problem, someone there had faced it. If you had a question, somebody had an answer. And if you needed help, someone was willing to pick up the phone,” he said.
As president, Patterson pledged to continue expanding the association’s “TACP On the Road” initiative, which brings training, resources and leadership discussions directly to agencies across Tennessee rather than relying solely on statewide meetings. He also committed to increasing membership engagement, expanding professional development opportunities and advancing accreditation and professional standards throughout the state.
One of Patterson’s primary goals will be developing future law enforcement leaders.
“We have an obligation to identify them, mentor them, challenge them and prepare them,” he said. “Because the greatest measure of our leadership may not be what we accomplish while we hold these positions. It may be what those we prepare accomplish after we are gone.”
Throughout his remarks, Patterson repeatedly returned to the idea that leadership and learning go hand in hand, quoting President John F. Kennedy’s observation that “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
Before concluding, Patterson thanked his University of Tennessee command staff for supporting him while he fulfills his statewide responsibilities, recognized TACP Executive Director Sharry Deadmen-Beard and conference organizers for their work, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife, Anaida.
“None of what I do would be possible without your support,” he said.
Founded in 1970, the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police serves as the professional organization representing law enforcement executives across the state. The association provides leadership training, promotes accreditation and professional standards, and serves as a unified voice on public safety policy and legislation.
As Patterson begins his term, he challenged fellow chiefs to remain focused on the association’s enduring mission.
“Honor the legacy. Strengthen the present. Prepare the next generation,” he said. “That is how we ensure the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police remains a powerful force for leadership, professionalism and public safety for generations to come.”