Previously, she worked as quartermaster of the police, followed by chief of the National Unit of the National Police. She has also been head of the Dutch National Crime Squad.

In the various positions she held, she continuously contributed to improving security both in the Netherlands and in an international context.

Especially in recent years, she has explored the challenges associated with cyber security and violent jihadism. As Deputy Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism and Director Cyber Security, Patricia is, in fact, responsible for these very issues among other things.