Roberto Bryan Jr. has been named the next chief of police for the Fayetteville Police Department, City Manager Doug Hewett announced Friday. Bryan Jr. will return to the department after previously serving as a Major.

Bryan Jr. was a Major with the Fayetteville Police Department from 2019 to 2022. Following that tenure, he served as Vice Chancellor for Fayetteville State University and Chief of Campus Police. His law enforcement career also includes service with the Durham Police Department and the DEA in Washington. Additionally, Bryan Jr. served in the U.S. Army.

In a press conference, Bryan stated his intent to address departmental issues and focus on fostering unified leadership within the department.

Bryan succeeds Kimberle Brayden, who retired in March after 29 years of service. Assistant Chief Todd Joyce has served as interim police chief for the past two months.