John Boyce joined the Sheriff's Office in 2002 after graduating from the 52^nd Regional Academy. He chose a career in law enforcement for the comradery found in sharing the same mission and serving the community. As a deputy, he worked a variety of assignments including San Diego Courts & Field, Poway Patrol, Vista COPPS, Vista Area Investigations, and the Border Crime Suppression Team.

John was promoted to Sergeant in 2013 and started his supervisory career at the Ramona Substation. He further developed his department acumen supervising the Threat Assessment Group and the Criminal Intelligence Unit. After being promoted to Lieutenant, John was assigned to the North Coastal Station, which provides law enforcement services to three contract cities.  He was then selected to serve unique leadership roles as the Special Assistant to the Sheriff and Internal Affairs Lieutenant. 

John was promoted to Captain in December 2022.  As Captain, he oversaw the Vista Station, one of the busiest Sheriff's command areas that provides law enforcement services to the City of Vista, the unincorporated areas of Vista, and Fallbrook.

In January 2025, John was promoted to the rank of Commander.  He now oversees patrol operations within our Law Enforcement Services Bureau.  

John earned his Bachelors in Communications and Information Studies. He has attended the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and was the recipient of numerous department awards, and citizen letters of appreciation.  John is an East Coast transplant whose love of the outdoors led him to plant roots in San Diego.