Rico Boyce named new Raleigh Police Department Chief as Patterson exits
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A familiar face at the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) is now the chief. Friday afternoon, the city announced Rico Boyce as the top cop for RPD.
"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.
Boyce is a 25-year member of RPD. He started as a patrol officer in Raleigh's Southeast District and advanced to the rank of Deputy Chief. He takes over from Chief Estella Patterson, who is retiring March 1 after serving the city of Raleigh for three years.
"We are grateful to the community and the many stakeholders for their participation in this comprehensive process, which vetted candidates from all over the U.S. and Canada. We have confirmed that Rico Boyce is the right person for the job, delivering the right combination of leadership, empathy, tactical knowledge, and community connection. I look forward to working with him to make Raleigh one of the safest cities in the country."
Boyce holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Pfeiffer University. He also attended the Administrative Officers Management Program at North Carolina State University and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
"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."
Chief Patterson Exits RPD
WATCH: Chief Patterson talks about her tenure and retirement plans
