The City of Santa Fe has selected two finalists for the position of police chief: Interim Police Chief Ben Valdez and former Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza. The finalists emerged from a national search focused on leadership experience, public safety expertise, organizational management, and community trust-building.
Valdez has served as interim police chief since June 2026 and brings extensive experience in law enforcement and department operations. Mendoza served as Santa Fe County sheriff and has years of experience overseeing a large public safety organization.
The city is inviting residents to meet both finalists at a public forum on Thursday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. "Choosing our next police chief is one of the most important decisions we will make for the safety and future of Santa Fe," said Mayor Michael Garcia. "We want our community to have an opportunity to meet the finalists, hear their ideas, and be part of this process."
The city will announce its final selection following the completion of the selection process.