The Raleigh Police Department has a new leader with a familiar face. Rico Boyce was promoted Friday from deputy chief to chief of police. He has been on the force for 25 years.
Friday was also the last day on the job for Estella Patterson, who is retiring.
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In announcing the move, City Manager Marchell Adams-David said, "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.”
As chief, Boyce will lead a department of more than 900 total personnel with 792 sworn officer positions. He was the choice the Raleigh Police Protection Association as well.
"He's one of us," said Rick Armstrong, RPPA vice president. "He came through the ranks. He started off as a recruit back in 2000. He knows the officers, he knows the rank and file, he knows the community."
In a public interview, Boyce said he will work to prioritize community engagement, recruiting and retention, and using technology to work safer and more efficiently.
"Under my leadership we're going to prioritize fighting crime," Boyce said, referencing an action plan already in development in partnership with local, state and U.S. district attorneys.
"We've going to go after those committing most of the crime here in the city," Boyce said. "We've got to be very strategic about your resources and where you place them when you're addressing violent crime."
That's what long-time Raleigh resident Richard Boyette said he wants from the new chief.
"I'd like to see an emphasis on safety downtown, so folks will not be afraid to come out at night and we can have a vibrant restaurant and entertainment scene downtown," he said.
WRAL News has requested an interview with Boyce to ask about how he will build trust within the community and recruit and retain officers.
Boyce began his career as a patrol officer in Raleigh's Southeast District. He's worked as a school resource officer, an investigator of gang-related crimes and a detective in the financial crimes unit. As deputy chief, Boyce launched the RPD drone program.