Boca Raton Announces Selection of New Police Chief

Police Chief Jarad L. Phelps. (Credit: City of Boca Raton)

Boca Raton has selected the chief of a 136-member police department in North Carolina to serve as the city’s new top cop, officials announced Monday night.

Jarad L. Phelps, who currently serves as chief of the Jacksonville, N.C. Police Department, has been extended a conditional offer of employment following a months-long, national search for a new leader, replacing former Chief Michele Miuccio, who was ousted just days after a major local election in March.

In Jacksonville, N.C., Phelps leads a nationally accredited law enforcement agency with 136 sworn officers and more than 40 professional staff members. In Boca Raton, he will command 217 sworn officers and 110 civilian support staffers. Prior to his role in Jacksonville, Phelps served for nearly three decades with the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia, where he rose through the ranks to serve as Deputy Chief and Acting Chief of Police. The city received 105 applications for the position, and 77 candidates met the job requirements, officials said. The recruitment drew interest nationwide, “reflecting the reputation of the Boca Raton Police Services Department and the opportunity to serve a community that places a high value on public safety,” the announcement said.

“This was a highly competitive process that brought forward an exceptional group of candidates,” said City Manager Mark Sohaney. “Jarad Phelps stood out for his depth of experience, sound judgment, and commitment to public trust. He understands the importance of supporting a high-performing police department and of continuing to build strong relationships with the community it serves.”

Phelps brings more than 30 years of law enforcement leadership experience, including service with nationally accredited agencies in North Carolina and Virginia. His background spans police operations, strategic planning, crime reduction, officer recruitment and retention, community engagement, crisis response, and organizational accountability. His experience “reflects a steady, service-focused approach to leading police organizations and supporting the communities they serve,” the announcement said.

Phelps holds a Master of Public Administration degree from George Mason University and a bachelors degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from James Madison University. His executive leadership education includes the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute, the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government program, the Senior Management Institute for Policing through the Police Executive Research Forum, and the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia.

“I am extremely honored to have been selected as the next Chief of Police for the City of Boca Raton,” said Phelps. “To be chosen through such a competitive process is very humbling, and I want to thank to Mr. Sohaney for this tremendous opportunity. I look forward to joining the city team, getting to know the community and the Police Services Department, and working together to serve the residents of Boca Raton.”

Sohaney also expressed appreciation for the leadership provided throughout the selection process.

“I also want to thank Acting Chief Seth Dubinsky, our command staff, and the entire Boca Raton Police Services Department for their leadership and professionalism throughout this transition,” said Sohaney. “They have continued to serve this community with focus and dedication, and I am grateful for their steady leadership. We are excited about the department’s future.”

The conditional offer is contingent upon the successful completion of the city’s pre-employment process. Additional details about Phelps’ start date and a formal introduction to the community will be announced at a later date, officials said.