Chief of Police

City of Belen•Belen, NM

1d•$110,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The City of Belen is seeking a highly structured, policy-driven, and forward-thinking Police Chief to lead the Belen Police Department during a period of growth and evolving public safety challenges. The ideal candidate is a disciplined and ethical leader who is not afraid to implement necessary change, enforce clear policies, and hold officers to the highest professional and ethical standards. This is a hands-on, working Police Chief position. The Chief is expected to remain actively involved in departmental operations and serve as a visible presence within both the organization and the community. Responsibilities may include responding to scenes, managing active incidents, running calls for service, and conducting traffic stops when appropriate. The successful candidate must be knowledgeable and responsive to current public safety issues affecting the city, county, state, and nation, including homelessness, drug-related activity, mental health crises, and regional crime trends influenced by proximity to the Albuquerque metro area.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, law enforcement, or a related field (preferred but not required).
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including five (5) years at a supervisory or command level.
Must possess or be able to obtain New Mexico executive law enforcement certification.
Demonstrated experience in policy development, personnel management, budgeting, and organizational leadership.
Thorough knowledge of modern policing principles and best practices.
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and enforce clear, consistent standards.
Strong decision-making, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to address complex public safety issues, including homelessness, substance abuse, and regional crime trends.
Effective communication skills with diverse populations, elected officials, City administration and partner agencies.

Responsibilities

Provide strong, ethical, and transparent leadership to all Police Department personnel.
Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Oversee departmental operations, staffing, budgeting, training, and long-term planning.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and reporting requirements.
Serve as a working Police Chief, maintaining operational readiness and situational awareness.
Respond to critical incidents, major calls for service, and emergencies as required.
Participate directly in field operations, including responding to scenes, running calls, and conducting traffic stops when appropriate.
Provide real-time leadership and decision-making during active incidents.
Maintain all required certifications and training to perform sworn law enforcement duties.
Lead efforts to address challenges related to homelessness, substance abuse, mental health response, and regional criminal activity.
Develop and implement data-driven strategies to reduce crime and improve public safety outcomes.
Strengthen collaboration with Valencia County, neighboring jurisdictions, and state and federal law enforcement partners.
Ensure the Department remains current on best practices, legal requirements, and emerging trends in modern policing.
Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, businesses, and community organizations.
Promote transparency, fairness, and effective communication between the Police Department and the public.
Represent the City and Police Department at regional meetings, task forces, and community events.
Hold officers and staff to the highest standards of conduct, ethics, and performance.
Oversee internal investigations, discipline, and corrective actions as necessary.
Promote ongoing training in de-escalation, crisis intervention, community policing, and officer wellness.