Sergeant Ralph A. Patin III, joined the Spartanburg Police Department in 2018, and was later assigned to conduct Community-Oriented Policing (COP) in the Highland Community, to include several housing developments including Prince Hall, Norris Ridge and Highland Crossing, in the city near downtown.

After he completed his field officer training, Patin briefly patrolled areas on the city's west side before transferring to the Highland area, Downtown foot patrol and the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Patin is also a member of the Tactical Neutralization Team (SWAT), which is on call for all the city’s “High Risk” incidents, and he is currently assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit.

Patin attended Jackson State University, he is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Kappa Kappa Psi, Honorary Band Fraternity, and the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons. Patin went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps for six years, finishing his Bachelor degree at Excelsior College in 2002. He earned a Master’s degree in Education, from Cambridge College (Boston Massachusetts), in 2005. Patin is married to Nalinee Patin, and the couple has a son, Jamal, and a daughter, Jasmine.