William Carlyle Boyce, Jr. Selected to Receive 2026 VACP President's Award

Each year, the President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation selects an individual for the VACP President’s Award to recognize their exemplary service to the Virginia law enforcement community and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This year, 2025-26 VACP President Chief John P. Clair is proud to recognize William Carlyle Boyce, Jr. 

William C. Boyce Jr. has devoted his career to law enforcement, the legal profession, and the education of police officers throughout Northern Virginia.

A member of Virginia Commonwealth University’s inaugural class in 1968, Boyce earned his degree in criminal justice before joining the Alexandria Police Department. During 11 years with the department, he served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, internal affairs investigator, SWAT team member, and instructor at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy.

While continuing his police service, Boyce earned his Juris Doctor from George Mason University. He subsequently served for two years in the Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office before establishing a criminal defense practice in Manassas, where he practiced until his retirement nearly three decades later. He also served as a port security officer in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.

Beginning in 1995, Boyce taught criminal law, evidence and procedure, and legal updates at the Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy. Although briefly appointed as a substitute judge, he chose to relinquish that position when a legal ethics opinion prohibited judges from participating in police training. He continued teaching at the academy until his retirement in 2015, influencing generations of law enforcement officers through his knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

William Boyce’s lifelong commitment to public safety and service and his selfless dedication to educating countless Virginia law enforcement officers over the years exemplifies the spirit of this award. President Clair is honored to present him with the 2026 VACP President’s Award.