Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, September 24, 2026 —

Santa Fe has officially narrowed down its search for a new Police Chief to two candidates. The city announced on Wednesday that Interim Police Chief Ben Valdez and former Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza are the finalists for the top law enforcement position.

The selection process has been ongoing, aiming to fill the role permanently. Both finalists bring distinct backgrounds to the table, according to the announcement. Ben Valdez currently serves as the Interim Police Chief, suggesting a familiarity with the department’s operations and challenges. Adan Mendoza previously held the position of Santa Fe County Sheriff, indicating experience in a broad range of law enforcement and administrative duties within the county.

Further details regarding the next steps in the selection process, such as interviews or public forums, were not immediately provided. The specific timeline for a final decision also remains undisclosed. The city has not released further information regarding the criteria used to select these two finalists from the applicant pool.

The appointment of a new Police Chief is a significant decision for the city, impacting public safety initiatives and the direction of the Santa Fe Police Department. Both candidates’ past roles suggest a strong foundation in law enforcement leadership, though their specific approaches and visions for the department will be a key consideration for city officials.

The public and departmental stakeholders will likely await further announcements regarding the continuation of this important selection process.


Story summarized from the original created by Francina Walker on www.newsradiokkob.com, see more information here.

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