The Town of Zebulon has announced the selection of Knightdale Police Captain Jacqui Boykin to serve as Zebulon’s newest Police Chief.
Boykin was chosen following an exhaustive search by Development Associates, LLC that yielded over 60 candidates. The selection process involved a series of evaluations, exercises, and interviews over a three-month period and was based upon community input and experiences. Ms. Boykin emerged from that rigorous evaluation process as the top candidate.
“I am honored to be selected as the next Police Chief in Zebulon,” Boykin says. “I’ve been fortunate to have been surrounded by progressive, caring, genuine leaders who are committed to professional policing and focused on working with community. I look forward to seeing how that philosophy blends with and builds upon the partnerships already established between Zebulon Police and the community we serve. Zebulon has some amazing officers, with hearts for service and love for community. I’m excited to be a part of Zebulon and can’t wait to get started.”
The announcement also highlights the success of Knightdale Police Department’s role in developing leadership in the law enforcement profession, and marks the second time within the past year that a Knightdale officer has assumed the Police Chief position in a neighboring community.
Chief Boykin served as Knightdale’s Support Services Commander the last six years. She previously served 18 years with the Wilson Police Department, where she held numerous titles and positions. During her time in Wilson, Boykin also served on the County Planning Board and was an advocate for citizens with developmental disabilities. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University. Boykin is also a graduate of the 264th Session of the FBI National Academy. Her professional network includes service as the Secretary & Treasurer for the N.C. Chapter of the FBI National Academy Alumni, and memberships in the N.C. Police Executive Association, the N.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps notes that Boykin is an excellent choice for the Zebulon community. “Jacqui’s contributions to our success over the last several years have been immeasurable,” he said. “From day one, she has fully embraced our mission and policing philosophy, striving to leave projects and people better than she found them. The Zebulon community is fortunate to have a person of Jacqui’s talent and character leading their Police Department.”
Boykin will take over in a role previously held by Tim Hayworth, who retired in June following a 20 year career as Zebulon’s Chief.
Zebulon Town Manager Joe Moore stated, “We are excited to have Jacqui join our team. Her skills and experience will be a welcome addition to a department dedicated to serving a quickly growing and diversifying community.”
Chief Boykin is slated to be privately sworn-in and assume her new duties on November 16th, and the Town of Zebulon will hold a public swearing-in ceremony at its Regular Board Meeting December 7, 2020.
