Home Internet Trend Stories 1

5 Major Updates On The City Of Raleigh NC Police Department: New Leadership, Budget Focus, And 2025 Initiatives

• minute read
Contents

The City of Raleigh NC Police Department (RPD) has entered a new era in 2025, marked by a change in leadership, a significant focus on officer retention through budget increases, and the launch of fresh community-centric programs. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the department is actively addressing complex public safety challenges, balancing a mixed crime report—where overall violent crime shows a decline, yet homicides and motor vehicle thefts present a troubling surge—with a renewed commitment to neighborhood engagement. This in-depth look provides the most current information available, highlighting the RPD’s strategic direction under its new command.

The RPD is the primary law enforcement agency for the capital city of North Carolina, serving a rapidly growing population. Its current focus is heavily centered on bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public, while simultaneously investing in its personnel to combat staffing shortages and improve response times. These updates reflect the department’s efforts to modernize and adapt to the unique public safety needs of a major metropolitan area.

Biography of Raleigh Police Chief Rico L. Boyce

Chief Rico L. Boyce is the 31st Police Chief of the Raleigh Police Department, officially ushering in a new chapter for the agency in 2025. His career is marked by a deep commitment to the City of Raleigh and a steady rise through the ranks, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the department’s operations and the city’s diverse communities.

  • Full Name: Rico L. Boyce
  • Current Position: 31st Chief of Police, Raleigh Police Department
  • Start of Duties as Chief: March 1, 2025
  • Swearing-In Ceremony: April 2, 2025, held at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School
  • RPD Career Start: 2000, as part of the 76th Police Academy
  • Career Progression: A 25-year veteran of the RPD, he began as a patrol officer in the Southeast District and advanced through every rank, including Deputy Chief.
  • Key Experience: Chief Boyce has worked in all five of the department's major divisions, giving him a holistic view of RPD operations.
  • Predecessor: Chief Estella D. Patterson

1. New Leadership and the RPD’s Organizational Structure

The appointment of Chief Rico Boyce, a 25-year veteran, is a significant internal promotion that signals a commitment to institutional knowledge and community-focused policing. His leadership is supported by a robust organizational structure designed to manage the complexities of a major city. The RPD is divided into several key divisions and districts, ensuring localized policing and specialized operations.

Key RPD Divisions and Command Staff (2024-2025)

The department operates under a command staff structure that includes several Deputy Chiefs, each overseeing critical areas:

  • Deputy Chief Zachary Lechette: Oversees the Detective & Special Operations divisions.
  • Deputy Chief Eddie Buffaloe Jr.: Appointed to lead the Administrative Services Division, bringing experience as the former Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS).
  • Deputy Chief Derek Ford: Another long-serving RPD veteran, part of the 75th Police Academy.

The RPD's operational framework includes major divisions responsible for different aspects of law enforcement:

  • Field Operations: Responsible for patrol functions across the city's geographical districts (e.g., Southeast District).
  • Special Operations: Manages specialized units like the Traffic Enforcement Unit and tactical teams.
  • Detective Division: Handles criminal investigations.
  • Administrative Services Division: Focuses on internal support, training, and budget management.
  • Chief's Office: Includes the Chief of Staff and internal affairs functions.

2. FY 2025 Budget Focus: Officer Retention and Modernization

The approved Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) budget for the City of Raleigh places a strong emphasis on investing in city employees, particularly within the RPD. The City Council unanimously approved a budget that included a significant increase for the Police Department, signaling a commitment to addressing staffing and operational needs.

Key Budget Highlights for RPD

  • Funding Increase: The RPD received a $1.1 million increase in the adopted budget.
  • Salary Increases: A central theme of the FY2025 budget is a marked pay increase for emergency call takers, firefighters, and police officers, with some personnel set to receive up to a 10% pay raise. This is a direct strategy to improve recruitment and retention rates, which have been a challenge for the department.
  • Technology Investment: The budget allocates $250,000 specifically to address critical software needs within the RPD, focusing on modernization and efficiency.
  • Program Funding: Additional funding was secured for two new education programs, reflecting a proactive approach to community engagement and prevention.

This financial commitment demonstrates that the City of Raleigh is prioritizing competitive compensation for its law enforcement officers to maintain staffing levels and ensure a high quality of service in an increasingly complex public safety environment.

3. Major New Initiatives and Community Policing Programs

Under new leadership, the RPD has rolled out several high-profile initiatives aimed at reducing crime and strengthening community trust, which are key pillars of modern policing. These programs reflect a shift toward proactive, localized engagement.

  • "Cops on the Block": This is one of the first major measures enacted under Chief Boyce. The innovative "Cops on the Block" initiative encourages officers to step out of their patrol cars and engage directly with Raleigh residents in their neighborhoods. The goal is to break down barriers, build trust, and foster stronger neighborhood bonds through personal interaction.
  • DOJ Partnership: The Raleigh Police Department has partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in a three-year effort specifically designed to address and reduce violent crime in the city. This partnership brings federal resources and expertise to local crime strategies.
  • Summer Action Plan: The RPD’s 2025 Summer Action Plan includes a paid internship program, welcoming new interns to the department. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to developing future law enforcement professionals and engaging younger members of the community.
  • Technology Expansion: The Raleigh Police Department Foundation furthered its commitment to safety by donating four new Recon electric vehicles in late 2024, expanding the department’s patrol capabilities in an environmentally conscious manner.
  • Recognition: Officer Benjamin Manuel of the RPD was recognized with the prestigious 2024 MADD Officer of the Year award, highlighting the department's focus on traffic safety and impaired driving enforcement.

4. Current Crime Trends and Public Safety Data (2024-2025)

An analysis of recent crime data shows a complex picture of public safety in Raleigh, NC. While overall violent crime has seen a reported decline, specific categories present ongoing challenges that the RPD is actively working to address through its new initiatives.

  • Violent Crime Trends: In the first half of 2024, Raleigh experienced an overall decline in violent crime, which is a positive trend. However, this was accompanied by a troubling rise in homicides, indicating a need for targeted intervention in specific areas and types of crime.
  • Property Crime: Motor vehicle theft remains a significant concern. Reported cases of motor vehicle theft increased from 2,262 in 2023 to 2,661 in 2024, representing a substantial year-on-year increase.
  • Transparency: The RPD maintains a commitment to transparency, offering an online crime-mapping tool that allows residents to conveniently view crimes reported in areas of interest, fostering public awareness and accountability.

5. Accountability and Recent Misconduct Settlements

In addition to its proactive community efforts, the RPD has faced scrutiny regarding officer conduct and accountability, leading to several high-profile settlements and internal actions in the 2024-2025 timeframe.

  • Misconduct Settlements: Exclusive reporting has revealed that the City of Raleigh paid a total of $5.4 million between 2012 and 2025 to settle accusations of police misconduct.
  • Darryl "Tyree" Williams Case: A major part of these settlements includes a payment of nearly $1 million to the family of Darryl "Tyree" Williams, who died after being tased by RPD officers. This case brought significant attention to the department's use-of-force policies.
  • Internal Disciplinary Actions: In 2024, a Raleigh police officer, Daniel Twiddy, was suspended and later retired after a post he made on social media called Juneteenth "ghetto," resulting in a formal disciplinary action.
  • Illegal Search Allegations: An internal investigation was launched into former RPD officer Kyle Epps over allegations of illegal searches of individuals and vehicles, compromising several criminal cases.

These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining public trust and the department's efforts to enforce internal accountability standards while navigating complex legal and social issues. The new leadership under Chief Boyce is expected to continue focusing on training and ethical conduct to mitigate future misconduct claims.

5 Major Updates on the City of Raleigh NC Police Department: New Leadership, Budget Focus, and 2025 Initiatives
city of raleigh nc police department
city of raleigh nc police department

Detail Author:

  • Name : Delphine Watsica
  • Username : bednar.effie
  • Email : stoltenberg.rosa@crona.biz
  • Birthdate : 1989-12-05
  • Address : 50520 Courtney Estate Apt. 729 Thompsonberg, SD 85434-1193
  • Phone : +1-573-464-0812
  • Company : DuBuque-Kassulke
  • Job : Radiologic Technologist and Technician
  • Bio : Id velit facilis eum. Velit perspiciatis iusto qui quisquam. Rerum officia nihil aspernatur reprehenderit aut.

Socials

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@borer1998
  • username : borer1998
  • bio : Voluptatibus eligendi enim saepe rerum inventore est vero.
  • followers : 4924
  • following : 666

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/retaborer
  • username : retaborer
  • bio : Modi impedit itaque eligendi possimus. Odio asperiores rerum quia numquam dolores at dolorum. Est amet est et quas.
  • followers : 4477
  • following : 576

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/rborer
  • username : rborer
  • bio : Quaerat voluptatum repellendus fugiat quo debitis eos. Provident laboriosam et voluptas enim.
  • followers : 6183
  • following : 1198

facebook:

Random Posts