Raleigh city officials announce new chief of police
Rico Boyce, the deputy of administration for Raleigh police, was named the new 31st chief of police Friday afternoon by City of Raleigh Manager Marchell Adams-David.
'We are pleased to announce that our national search process has identified someone who has served Raleigh for more than two decades as our next Chief of Police. Rico Boyce has demonstrated that he knows how to effectively work with the community, and our process demonstrated the trust the community and the police department have in him,' Adams-David said.
PREVIOUSLY: Raleigh police chief announces retirement after 3 years on the job
As police chief, Boyce will lead the department in more than 900 personnel with 792 sworn officer positions. He takes over leadership of the federal Public Safety Partnership efforts and the Violent Crime Action Plan with federal and law enforcement partners.
One of his first goals as chief of police is to enhance relationships, trust and engagement with the community and create a level of transparency to keep Raleigh safe.
'I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their unwavering support throughout my entire career with the Raleigh Police Department. I am deeply thankful to City Manager Marchell Adams-David for the incredible opportunity to finish my career as the Raleigh chief of police,' Boyce said, 'It is truly an honor, and I am excited to continue serving the greatest officers in the world while building lasting relationships with our amazing community members. I am grateful for Chief Patterson's mentorship and guidance, and I look forward to building upon the remarkable work she has done as chief.'
Rick Armstrong, the vice President of Teamsters Local 391 which represents officers, said his members made it clear they wanted Boyce to be the next chief. He still remembers Boyce's early years with the department.
'I was on when he was hired,' Armstrong said. 'I remember distinctly him working as a School Resource Officer in the Southeast District, Southeast High School, I believe. I remember him being very committed and dedicated to the job.'
CBS 17 asked Armstrong what he thinks Boyce's biggest challenge will be in his new job, Armstrong said, 'Like [Boyce] said in the interview, recruitment and retention has been the number one challenge for Chief Patterson. I think it's going to continue to be a challenge for Chief Boyce.'
When it comes to recruitment and retention, Armstrong hopes implementing recommendations from a city wide salary study that's underway will help. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said the city will have that information in March.
Cowell also said she's excited to work alongside the new chief.
'In my first few months as mayor, I've gotten to interact a lot with Chief Boyce,' she said. 'He's incredibly positive. I have gotten so many emails from folks saying we love Chief Boyce, we think he'd be amazing.'
Boyce began his law enforcement career nearly 25 years ago becoming a part of the Raleigh Police Department's 76th Police Academy.
As the previous deputy police chief of administration, Boyce oversaw administrative services and internal affairs, according to the City of Raleigh.
Boyce will bring a deep familiarity with Raleigh to his role. After three years as a patrol officer, he served as a school resource officer and later moved to the Gang Suppression Unit. He later earned ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, watch commander and then captain in the Southeast District.
Boyce is also a member of several professional and civic organizations such as N.O.B.L.E. (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives), the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and several others.
He has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University and a master's degree in Business Administration from Pfeiffer University.
Boyce will begin his duties as police chief on March 1 and will be sworn in as Raleigh's 31st police chief later in the month, according to city officials.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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