06/27/2025
Chief of Police Robert Hassell to retire at the end of July
Rocky Mount, N.C. – The City of Rocky Mount today announces the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Robert Hassell, whose final day with the City will be July 31, 2025. Chief Hassell will conclude a remarkable local government law enforcement career spanning nearly 30 years, including more than four years of dedicated service to the City of Rocky Mount.
Chief Hassell began his career in December 1995 with the Kinston Police Department in North Carolina and has since established a reputation as a forward-thinking, community-driven leader. Since joining the City of Rocky Mount in May 2021, he has been instrumental in advancing the department’s operational effectiveness, transparency, and community trust.
“Chief Hassell’s impact on our city has been profound,” said City Manager Elton Daniels. “From the launch of innovative technologies to a measurable reduction in violent crime, he has led with vision, professionalism, and a deep commitment to public service. His leadership has positioned our Police Department for long-term success, and we are incredibly grateful for his service. We wish him nothing but the best as he enters this next chapter of life.”
Under Chief Hassell’s leadership, the Rocky Mount Police Department achieved several major milestones:
Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC): A state-of-the-art centralized hub providing officers with live video feeds and integrated surveillance tools, significantly improving response times and fostering partnerships with local businesses through voluntary camera integration. 911 Communications Center Overhaul: A full renovation and technology upgrade of the city’s 911 center, enhancing reliability, functionality, and service to residents during emergencies. Virtual Call Center: Designed to streamline non-emergency reporting, this new center handles approximately 15% of incident reports, allowing officers to focus on higher-priority calls and proactive policing efforts. Officer Recruitment and Retention: Chief Hassell led a successful initiative to reduce police vacancies from 32% to under 10%, boosting department morale and improving continuity in community service. Crime Reduction: The city has experienced a notable reduction in violent crime since 2021 under Chief Hassell’s strategic, data-driven approach. Community-Oriented Policing: Chief Hassell championed transparency, accountability, and engagement with residents, solidifying trust between the police department and the community.
“Serving the City of Rocky Mount has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Chief Robert Hassell. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together — from embracing technology to building stronger community partnerships. I’m deeply grateful to the dedicated men and women of the Rocky Mount Police Department and to the residents who supported us every step of the way.”
He continued, “Retiring is bittersweet, but I leave with confidence knowing the department is in a strong position to continue its mission of protecting and serving with integrity.”
City Manager Elton Daniels stated, “As we prepare for Chief Hassell’s retirement, we will begin the search process for our next Police Chief in the coming days. This process will be thorough and inclusive to ensure we identify a leader who shares our commitment to public safety, community engagement, and professional excellence. Within the next couple of weeks, I anticipate naming an interim Police Chief to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for the department and the community.”
