Editor’s note: Roanoke Rapids police Chief Lawrence Wiggins released the following statement regarding a social media post about a newly hired officer. The post was met with derisive comments from followers mocking the officer’s appearance and slight build. We have reviewed the comments and found the vast majority of them to constitute body-shaming and outright bullying based solely on a person’s appearance and not his qualifications as an officer. Because the police department is a public agency, social media comments are considered a public record and cannot be removed. We support Chief Wiggins and his comments, and believe those callous enough to have made these remarks should delete them. We are running the statement as an opinion piece. — Lance Martin

Statement on the appointment of Officer Brandon Holcomb

On January 28, 2026, Officer Brandon Holcomb was sworn in with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department. 

This was a proud moment in the life of a young man who has overcome countless personal obstacles to earn that moment. 

I personally observed Officer Holcomb and his ability to deal with adversity and uncertainty. 

This achievement is a celebration of a young man from Roanoke Rapids stepping up to serve in the community where he was raised. 

I have full faith and confidence in his ability to learn, adapt, problem-solve, and be successful in his career at the RRPD.

This occasion, though a celebration, is a stark reminder of the times in which we live: A time when the exercise of constitutional rights — specifically the First Amendment — is often devoid of self-respect and dignity. Many negative comments have surfaced on Officer Holcomb’s appearance. 

While true discourse regarding law enforcement decisions, procedures, or arrests is worth having, holding that standard in juxtaposition to these personal attacks leads to a clear conclusion: To engage with such comments would be an exercise in intellectual debasement.

I am aware that many of these comments come from people who do not live in Roanoke Rapids. 

Interestingly, the loudest negative voices are often the same ones screaming for assistance and demanding “more with less” from law enforcement. 

Please keep that in mind when you take to social media to attack the appearance of someone who may be the very person who saves your life.

Should you feel you possess the skills and fitness required for this profession — feel free to apply at this link. 

We are hiring. 

However, keep in mind that physical attributes are utilized in less than a quarter of law enforcement encounters. I encourage you to continue engaging with us on social media but do so responsibly; that is the only way we grow as a community. 

Officer Holcomb, welcome to the RRPD Family!

Lawrence Wiggins, A.B.D. Chief of Police

Roanoke Rapids Police Department