Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

City of Albemarle City Manager Todd Clark announces the selection of Ryan Manley as the city’s police chief.
Manley will assume the role on Feb. 3.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to serve the residents of Albemarle alongside the dedicated men and women of the Albemarle Police Department,” said Manley. “I look forward to building trust and fostering strong connections with our community, the APD team, and other law enforcement agencies. There are exciting, positive developments happening in Albemarle, and I’m thrilled to join the team working to help the community reach its full potential.”
Originally from Western New York, Manley earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Political Science from the State University of New York College at Brockport.
He moved to North Carolina to pursue a career in criminal justice, beginning as a counselor technician for the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. After completing Basic Law Enforcement Training at Sampson Community College, he joined the Fayetteville Police Department as a police officer in 2002.
Manley launched his career in the Patrol Bureau, where he cultivated strong leadership skills and a commitment to mentorship. He excelled as a field training officer, helping shape the next generation of officers, before transitioning to the Investigative Bureau as a narcotics detective and later becoming a K9 handler. He earned a promotion to sergeant, where he supervised the Crime Information Center and the Fraud Unit. He commanded units within the Patrol and Support Services Bureaus as a lieutenant.
Throughout his career, Manley has played a role in various initiatives. He was a member of the Cumberland County Veterans Treatment Court’s treatment team, built partnerships with the Cumberland Fayetteville Crisis Intervention Team and led the department’s Crisis Negotiation Team.
He completed the North Carolina Justice Academy’s Management Development Program and earned an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Training and Standards Commission. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University.
In 2023, Manley was selected for the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Program, which aims to improve law enforcement’s research capabilities through evidence-based policing.
Manley graduated from the 290th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, known for its 10-week training in communication, leadership and fitness for law enforcement professionals. The program is offered by invitation only to law enforcement officers worldwide. Fewer than half of 1% of law enforcement officers are selected to attend.
Manley has been married to his wife, Jessica, for 19 years. They have two children, Rylin and Kyla. He credits all his accomplishments to his wife and their strong family foundation.
The hiring process for the Albemarle Police chief involved an evaluation of internal and external candidates. Finalists for the position participated in skill-based assessments including a final round of panel interviews.
“Throughout the interview process, Chief Manley demonstrated a deep understanding of the law enforcement profession, exceptional technical expertise, and a community-focused approach to policing,” said Clark. “Safety and security are fundamental to a high quality of life in any community. We are excited to have Chief Manley join our team as we continue striving to provide effective and efficient public safety services.”