Fayetteville City Manager Douglas J. Hewett today announced the appointment of Roberto E. Bryan Jr. as the next chief of the Fayetteville Police Department at a press conference held at Fayetteville City Hall located at 433 Hay St. 

Bryan, a 30-year law-enforcement veteran and current Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police at Fayetteville State University, will assume command on July 7. 

Bryan succeeds Chief Kemberle Braden, who retired after nearly three decades of service to the City of Fayetteville. During the search, the Fayetteville Police Department appointed Assistant Police Chief C. Todd Joyce as the interim police chief. 

“Chief-select Bryan has deep roots in Fayetteville and a proven record of building community trust while driving crime-reduction strategies,” Hewett said. “His combination of federal, municipal and campus-policing experience makes him uniquely qualified to guide the department’s next chapter. His vision aligns seamlessly with the city's strategic priorities. He is already drafting a real time crime center model that will integrate cutting edge technology such as drones as first responders with human relationships that make policing more effective. But let me be clear, technology is never a substitute for community partnerships, but a vital enhancement. Chief select Bryan understands that the backbone of public safety is trust, and he is committed to listening, and that begins as quickly as possible in every patrol district.” 

Bryan joined Fayetteville State University Police & Public Safety in 2022 after serving as a major over the Fayetteville Police Department’s Specialized Services Bureau from 2019 to 2022 and completing a 22-year career with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, where he held multiple command assignments.

At Fayetteville State University, Bryan swiftly advanced public-safety capabilities by successfully negotiating market-rate pay increases for non-sworn officers and standing up both explosive-detection and narcotics/tracking K-9 units. He also introduced an unmanned-aircraft program staffed by six FAA-certified pilots, lifting officer staffing from 57.9% to 95% in just 30 months. To tie these enhancements together, he drafted a Real-Time Crime Center blueprint that positions drones as first-responders, giving dispatchers and field units instant aerial intelligence during critical incidents. 

Bryan holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and an Army Veteran. 

He shared that his work at FSU has prepared him for this position, stating that his engagement with students, faculty and staff during his time there will transfer to this new position with the City of Fayetteville. He also shared that his top challenges will be addressing violent crime and police recruitment, but he will be working on increased transparency between the police and the Fayetteville community. 

"I am deeply honored to be appointed as the Chief of Police for the City of Fayetteville. With over 30 years of service across city, state and federal law enforcement, this moment represents both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming,” said Bryan. “City policing has always been the foundation of my career, a place where meaningful connections are made and real impact begins.” 

Bryan will meet with stakeholders in each patrol district during a series of community conversations and outreach events scheduled ahead of his swearing-in. Details will be posted on city social-media channels. 

“As I conclude my law enforcement journey where it all started, I am committed to leading with integrity, fostering trust and working collaboratively to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for all who call Fayetteville home," added Bryan.

Following the announcement, members of the press and community were able to ask a few questions to the incoming Chief of Police. 

A full recording of the press conference is available to view on the City of Fayetteville’s YouTube page here.