In 2015, Patterson appeared in the biographical drama film Straight Outta Compton directed by F. Gary Gray. On television, she made guest appearances on The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Elementary and Instinct.
Patterson was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her mother was 16 when she was born. She graduated from the New York University Tisch School of the
Carra Patterson, who has played NYPD Officer Kaya Blanke since Season 1, has been promoted to undercover agent, as Patterson has decided to step back from series regular duties.