A house RESOLUTION

to recognize and honor Captain Tonatte Mitchell for approaching her first year anniversary serving as captain of Charleston's Police Department.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to congratulate Captain Tonatte Mitchell for serving almost a year as captain of the Charleston County Police Department; and

Whereas, Captain Mitchell made history with the Charleston Police Department when she became the first Black female captain almost a year ago. Now, she is taking the time to reflect on her historic promotion as she nears her one-year milestone in the role; and

Whereas, Captain Mitchell recalled the day she first received the promotion, saying the moment was just overwhelming for her and for the goals she wanted to reach. Her intention was to be a sergeant, she was shocked to hear she was being promoted to captain; and

Whereas, she continues to follow in the footsteps of family before her, as her grandfather, Harold (Harry) Smith, was one of the first Black officers hired by the Charleston Police Department. As a young girl, watching him patrol the area gave her the passion to pursue a career in law enforcement later in her life. Mitchell said she reflects on the legacy she carries each and every day. She was the third Black woman to be promoted to lieutenant and the first Black woman to achieve the rank of captain in the history of the department; and

Whereas, on March 8, 2025, International Women's Day, the City of Charleston honored Captain Mitchell, a proud Burke High School alumni and a Charleston trailblazer who has dedicated twenty-nine years to protecting and serving the City of Charleston. She has built a legacy of leadership, service, and community impact in the city where she was raised; and

Whereas, from patrol to crises negotiation, recruitment to community policing, Captain Mitchell has done it all, paving the way for future generations of women in law enforcement. Her hard work, passion for serving the community, and commitment to the department is a testament to the advice she gives to those who look up to her. She feels the promotion to captain has taught her two things; to be humble and there is still work to be done. Captain Mitchell's mantra has always been "anything is possible, as long as you work hard and stick to your goals."; and

Whereas, growing up, Mitchell did not have a place to go where she could feel safe and have someone help her with homework. Hence, she is giving her all to the neighborhoods that raised her, opening new community centers across the Holy City. She says her greatest accomplishments so far in the department are being a part of the openings of two community centers. Mitchell feels these centers offer children a safe place to go and do homework, play games, and interact with law enforcement. She is advocating that officers do more outreach in the community they work in, and she is working toward bridging the gap between the community and policing; and

Whereas, though Captain Mitchell has this honor of making history, she wants people to know that she also serves as a friend and a mentor that you can go to when you need advice; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives greatly appreciate Captain Mitchell's outstanding leadership and the positive changes she has made in her community.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Captain Tonatte Mitchell for approaching her first-year anniversary serving as captain of Charleston's Police Department.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Captain Tonatte Mitchell.

----XX----