BOCA RATON, FL — Boca Raton has narrowed its search for the city’s next police chief to two finalists after a national recruitment process that drew 105 applications, the city announced.
The finalists are Nicholas R. Augustine, assistant chief of police with the Montgomery County Department of Police in Maryland, and Jarad L. Phelps, chief of police for the City of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
According to the city, 77 of the 105 applicants met the job requirements. Candidates came from 27 states, Puerto Rico and Mexico, with many applicants also coming from Florida.
City Manager Mark Sohaney said the level of interest reflected the reputation of the Boca Raton Police Services Department and the city’s support for public safety.
“Highly qualified law enforcement leaders from across the country were interested in this opportunity because they recognize the professionalism of this department, the support for public safety in our community, and the importance of the work being done here every day,” Sohaney said.
The city said it conducted first-round interviews with what it described as a strong group of candidates. Sohaney said the candidates selected for interviews brought executive experience, leadership and perspective to what became a competitive process.
As part of the recruitment process, Boca Raton said it focused on candidates with experience in operational leadership, accountability, organizational culture, public trust, effective communication and community-focused policing.
The announcement marks the latest step in a police leadership transition Boca Post has followed for several months. Boca Post reported on March 20, 2026, that an internal union survey showed former Boca Raton Police Chief Michele Miuccio received low marks from participating officers before her departure was announced.
On March 25, Boca Post reported that the city had launched a national search for its next police chief, with Acting Chief Liz Roberts remaining in place during the transition. On April 14, Boca Post reported that Boca Raton had opened a community survey asking residents to weigh in on the qualities and priorities they wanted in the department’s next leader.
The next phase of the process will include additional meetings and time spent in Boca Raton, according to the city. That phase is expected to allow the finalists to learn more about the Police Services Department, city operations and the community.
The city said it expects to move forward with a final selection after that next phase is complete.
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