The Monroe Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Captain William “Rhett” Bolen to Assistant Police Chief.

Bolen has been with the Monroe Police Department since May 2004 serving as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Training and Recruitment Sergeant, Criminal Intervention Team Sergeant, Criminal Investigations Bureau Sergeant, Task Force Officer with the Homeland Security Gang Unit, Patrol Lieutenant, Patrol Captain, and Special Response Team Commander.

Bolen holds a Master of Public Safety degree from the University of Virginia, a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University, and an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the North Carolina Justice Academy, and currently serves as a General Instructor, Specialized Firearms Instructor, Rapid Deployment Instructor, Physical Fitness Instructor (North Carolina Justice Academy), and an Active Shooter Threat Instructor (Department of Homeland Security).

The selection of an Assistant Police Chief represents a realignment of the Police Department’s command structure. The position of Assistant Police Chief has been dormant since the retirement of former Assistant Police Chief Phillip Pressley in 2017.

“The promotion of an officer with such impressive qualifications is a reflection of the quality of training, experience and professionalism that is present within the department,” said City Manager Mark Watson.

“Rhett Bolen is a fine man that has served this community with honor and integrity. He has the respect of his fellow officers and the community as a whole. I am convinced he is the “man for the job,” and I’m excited to hear of his promotion. This is such an important step in the operation of our police department, to hire an Assistant Chief for the future of our entire city. The process was extensive and handled with the utmost care and fairness. Rhett shined and is the right choice,” said Mayor Robert Burns.

Bolen along with other candidates that were under consideration went through an extensive interview process consisting of in-person interviews with four different panels of stakeholders including law enforcement personnel from outside agencies, administrative leaders, community members, and Monroe police officers.

“We put all of our candidates through an incredibly rigorous process so they could understand the gravity and responsibility that comes with this position. We are confident that Rhett Bolen is the right person for the job,” said Chief J. Bryan Gilliard.

In his role as Assistant Police Chief, Bolen will work closely with Chief Gilliard in crafting the strategic direction and administration of the department.

“The promotion of Rhett Bolen to the rank of Assistant Police Chief is the result of his years of hard work and service to the department and to the City of Monroe. I am excited to see what the future brings for our police department and City,” said Mayor Pro Tem and Chair of the Public Safety Committee David Dotson.

The appointment of an Assistant Police Chief reflects the growth and direction of the City of Monroe, and allows us to build a solid foundation for the future, according to Chief Gilliard.

"I have worked with Captain Bolen for over ten years. I am confident that he will lead the Monroe Police Department with professionalism and integrity. I commend our Police Chief, Bryan Gilliard, on a thorough promotional process," said Council Member and Public Safety Committee Member Gary Anderson.

“As a member of the Public Safety Committee, I extend my congratulations to Captain Rhett Bolen upon his appointment as Assistant Police Chief for the City of Monroe Police Department! This exemplary public servant will serve all of Monroe well,” said Council Member Julie Thompson.

Bolen’s promotion to Assistant Police Chief will take immediate effect.

“I’m humbled and honored to be selected for this role, and I look forward to serving our officers, our community members, and our City,” said Assistant Police Chief Rhett Bolen.

The Monroe Police Department is recognized as an Advanced Law Enforcement Accredited agency by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) since 2007. The Monroe Police Department complies with over 400 highest applicable standards to achieve the gold standard accreditation in public safety.