RALEIGH — Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh is ramping up its advocacy efforts ahead of the March municipal primary, centering its message on police compensation, staffing levels and downtown safety.
The organization, a 501(c)(4) nonpartisan nonprofit formed in 2024 to prioritize public safety in city government, recently hired former city council candidate John Cerqueira as its executive director. In that role, Cerqueira serves as the group’s liaison to the city council, city manager and Raleigh police chief, monitoring budget decisions and policy discussions related to public safety. The nonprofit is supported solely by donations from residents and businesses committed to the mission.
A key early priority — increasing police compensation — was addressed in the most recent city budget. Rather than seeking a specific percentage, the department requested higher pay to remain competitive with surrounding municipalities and reduce officer attrition. The city council ultimately approved an 11% pay increase.
Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh views the adjustment as an important step toward stabilizing the force.
“Raleigh is a wonderful place to live and thus we are experiencing rapid growth,” Cerqueira said. “We at CSSR are extremely grateful to the Raleigh Police Department’s efforts under Chief (Rico) Boyce’s leadership and want to ensure that his department is well resourced to meet the needs of our growing city.”
Staffing levels remain a central concern.
When Boyce joined the department 25 years ago, Raleigh had 777 sworn officers. Today, the department has fewer than 725 officers despite the city’s population having more than doubled during that time. The group argues that continued high-rise development, increased downtown density and more complex public safety demands require adding between 300 and 400 officers in the coming years.
The organization has structured its platform around six core pillars:
• Appropriate police staffing: A sworn force large enough to ensure the safety and security of residents, visitors and businesses in every neighborhood.
• Adequate police funding: Competitive pay, benefits and working conditions to attract and retain high-quality officers at all ranks.
• Superior officers: Investment in training, procedures and professional standards that bolster public accountability, confidence and trust.
• Necessary tools: State-of-the-art equipment and facilities that allow officers to operate safely and effectively.
• Homelessness action: Promotion of innovative and compassionate solutions for the unhoused living and camping throughout the city, including coordination with Wake County and service providers.
• Honor for those who serve: Public advocacy for law enforcement officers, remembrance of those killed in the line of duty and support for their families.
The group recently conducted a follow-up public opinion poll and says roughly 78% of respondents — across demographic and partisan lines — support its public safety priorities. While most residents view their neighborhoods as relatively safe, polling indicates elevated concern about downtown Raleigh as public and private investment accelerates in the urban core.
Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh plans to formally endorse three candidates in competitive March primaries, backing those who have signaled support for its public safety platform.
The organization has also updated its website and is launching billboard messaging ahead of the primary. While it does not take positions on development, education or other municipal issues, the group says its focus remains singular: ensuring Raleigh remains safe as it continues to grow.
For more information, visit safeandsecureraleigh.com
