Santa Fe Selected Two Police Chief Finalists

The city has announced two candidates following a national search to lead the police department.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Santa Fe Selected Two Police Chief Finalists

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Should local residents have a formal role in selecting their police chief?

Santa Fe has identified two finalists for its police chief position following a national search process. The search focused on candidates with extensive leadership and public safety expertise.

Why it matters

Selecting a new police chief is a critical step for the city to address public safety priorities and provide stable leadership for the department. The decision follows a tenure under interim police chief Ben Valdez.

The city has selected two finalists for the role of police chief following a national search. The final appointment remains pending as the selection process continues.

The players

Ben Valdez

He is currently serving as the interim police chief for the City of Santa Fe.

Adan Mendoza

He is the former sheriff of Santa Fe County.

The details

The city utilized a national search to identify candidates who possess the leadership and public safety expertise required for the position. These finalists will now engage with the local community as the search concludes.

October 1, 2026: The public will meet the finalists from 11am to 1pm.

Legal Context

The search for a new chief follows the tenure of interim police chief Ben Valdez and the previous leadership of former Santa Fe County sheriff Adan Mendoza. The selection follows a broader trend of cities utilizing national searches to fill high-level public safety roles.

Residents are invited to meet the candidates on October 1, 2026, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. This public meeting provides an opportunity for community members to engage directly with the finalists who may lead the city's law enforcement efforts.

The takeaway

Public engagement during the upcoming meet-and-greet is essential for ensuring the new chief reflects the community's values. Residents should prepare questions regarding department priorities and long-term public safety goals for the finalists.