Anthony M. Poteat began his career as a Patrol Officer with the Metropolitan Police Department on October 17, 1983.
After completing his training at the department’s Police Academy, Anthony Poteat was assigned to the Third District where he worked diligently to uphold the law and build strong community relations. Anthony’s hard work did not go unnoticed during his tenure at “3D”; he received the coveted “Officer of The Year” award as well as an award for “Outstanding Community Relations”.
Within five short years, after completing (and passing) the Sergeants Exam, Anthony was promoted to Sergeant.
Working in the capacity of a Sergeant, Anthony Poteat was assigned to the Fourth District where his dedication to the community continued. As a Sergeant at “4D”, Anthony worked in various divisions such as: the Vice Unit & the Motor Tact Unit. On March 16, 1992, Sergeant Anthony Poteat traded in the three stripes that adorned his uniform, replacing them with one bar. The bar represented Anthony’s hard work and continued commitment to the people of the District, as well as, his newly earned title of Lieutenant.
“Lieutenant” Anthony Poteat was transferred to the Fifth District where he stayed for seven years. During his years at “5D”, Anthony worked in several different capacities from “Administrative Lieutenant” to “Community Services Lieutenant” to “Weed and Seed Coordinator”. Although Anthony had successfully joined the rank of Lt., his ambitions encouraged him to continue to strive for more. Once again, on January 5, 1999, Anthony traded in the insignia on his uniform that identified him as a Lieutenant, for the two bars that are earned upon becoming a Captain.
The position of a Captain carries with it a different set of challenges and responsibilities than that of the “Beat Cop”, but, challenges and responsibility was no stranger to Captain Poteat. Assigned to the Second District in his new role, Captain Poteat continued to exemplify all the qualities of a natural leader. At “2D” Captain Poteat quickly became a community favorite; his time at the Second District would be short lived; an even more honorable position was soon to come.
On March 11, 2000, Captain Poteat accepted an offer to become Commander of the Fifth District. Under the leadership of (then) Commander Anthony Poteat, the 5th District community experienced the highest reduction of “major crime” citywide, coupled with, the highest closure of homicides citywide.
Prior to returning to the Fourth District, where Captain Poteat served the department and the community up until his retirement, he was assigned to MPD’s Youth Division.
Thank you Captain Anthony Poteat for your years of service to the PSA 402 Community.
