Monroe Police Chief J. Bryan Gilliard will retire effective May 1, 2025, after 32 years of service to the City. 

Chief Gilliard was born and raised in Union County and began his career with the City in 1993 as a telecommunicator. He served in various capacities, rising to the rank of Captain in 2007, Assistant Chief in 2010, Interim Police Chief in 2013, and finally Police Chief in 2014. 

Chief Gilliard has led the department through many challenges, changes, and accomplishments, including the following:

• Advancing the use of law enforcement technology and community engagement to improve public safety within the City
• Planning, construction, and opening of the Bobby G. Kilgore Law Enforcement Center
• Earning national accreditation and re-accreditation(s) from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Incorporated (CALEA) since 2007 
• Provided opportunities for law enforcement skills and leadership training that prepared Monroe Police Officers to grow their careers and advance in rank
• Improved retention of experienced Police Officers by providing educational incentives, addressing competitive pay policies, and updating recruiting practices 
• Advocated for improvements in officer protective equipment and a modernized vehicle fleet

Chief Gilliard is a major proponent of higher and continuing education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte, his master’s degree from Pfeiffer University, and the Municipal and County Administration course at UNC Chapel Hill in 2016. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2009 and completed the FBI Leadership Development Program in 2017. 

“Serving this City has been the greatest honor of my life. I am incredibly grateful to the men and women of the Monroe Police Department I’ve had the pleasure of serving alongside, and I look forward to their continued success for years to come. I want to thank everyone who supported me and this department for their confidence, trust, and encouragement as we provide essential security and protection for all our residents and visitors,” said Police Chief J. Bryan Gilliard. “I appreciate the support of the citizens of Monroe and their dedication to making Monroe a special place.” 

“Chief Gilliard has selflessly served his department, his City, and his community with honor, courage, and dedication over the last 32 years. We thank him for his service and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement,” said City Manager Mark Watson. 

Chief Gilliard has served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Chiefs of Police Association and the North Carolina FBI National Academy Association. He has served as a board member for United Way, American Red Cross, Alliance for Children, Monroe Rotary Club, and Hospice of Union County. As a lifelong resident of Union County, he and his wife, Crystal, Union County Register of Deeds, live in the Roughedge Community and are members of Bethlehem United Methodist Church.