Santa Fe names Ben Valdez as police chief

SANTA FE, N.M. — The City of Santa Fe appointed Ben Valdez as the official police chief, the Santa Fe Police Department announced Monday.

Interim City Manager Brian Moya appointed Valdez to become the chief Monday.

Valdez will take over the role he has held on an interim basis since June 4. He joined the Santa Fe Police Department in 2005. He has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including eight years as deputy chief.

City leaders say over the last four months, Valdez has led several initiatives. He has been behind expanding SFPD’s Traffic Section, including the expansion of its automated speed and sound enforcement program. He has also expanded the bicycle patrol, the use of drones to respond to certain calls before officers arrive and focused on cracking down on impaired driving.

Valdez’s appointment is effective immediately.

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