City of Monroe names Rhett Bolen Police Chief.
MONROE, NC – The City of Monroe is promoting Assistant Police Chief William “Rhett” Bolen to Police Chief.
Bolen has been with the department since May 2004. He’s been the Assistant Chief since April 2024.
During his time with Monroe Police, Bolen has served 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 takes over for retiring Police Chief J. Bryan Gilliard on April 11, 2025.
According to a news release, 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).
