Joye Selected Following Inclusive and Robust Public Process

SANTA FE, March 17, 2022 — City Manager John Blair and Community Health and Safety Director Kyra Ochoa announce the appointment of Paul Joye as the next Chief of the Santa Fe Police Department. Chief Joye joined the force in 2006 and has worked up through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of Operations.

City Manager John Blair says: “Chief Joye demonstrated dynamic leadership, an understanding of the law enforcement needs specific to Santa Fe and our diverse community, a realistic appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of his team, and a willingness to pursue forward-thinking initiatives that will keep our community safe. He set himself apart during our search process and I’m confident Chief Joye is best positioned to meet the needs of our police department and our city.”

Chief Joye began his career in public safety as a high school student in Carlsbad, New Mexico, when he qualified as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT-Basic. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 2002, with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Minor in Psychology.

During his tenure in the SFPD he has worked as a Field Training Officer, Detective (Property Crimes, Street Crimes, Violent Crimes), Sergeant (Patrol, Violent Crimes, Crimes Against Children), Lieutenant (Criminal Investigations, Patrol, Internal Affairs, Criminal Investigations), Captain (Criminal Investigations), and Deputy Chief (Operations). Chief Joye has served as interim Chief since December 3, 2021.

Chief Paul Joye says: “I’m honored to be selected to lead the Department. I have spent my entire professional public safety career dedicated to serving the City of Santa Fe, and working to make the Santa Fe Police Department the best version of itself -- to be the Department this community needs and deserves.”

Last year, Chief Joye was instrumental in the creation of the Alternative Response Unit, which represents an innovative interdepartmental approach to serving people in crisis while keeping the peace for the public. He will provide the leadership we need to continue to make progress in criminal justice and community wellbeing.

Community Health and Safety Director Kyra Ochoa says: “Chief Joye has earned the confidence of his team and of our partners in the community. He understands that policing is integrated into our holistic approach to community health and safety. The role of the police in America is evolving, and Santa Fe is already ahead of that curve.”

Chief Joye was selected on the basis of how well he exemplifies qualities identified as priorities in a community survey; the strength and breadth of his experience and performance; his engagement with public safety and community partnership dialogue panels; and his interactions as a finalist with Mayor Alan Webber, City Manager Blair, Community Health and Safety Director Ochoa, City Attorney Erin McSherry, and all members of the City Council.

Mayor Alan Webber says: “Paul Joye is a natural leader who knows Santa Fe and understands Santa Fe. He also knows what’s working in our Police Department and what needs to change as policing changes. Most important, he has a clear vision for the Police Department and its role in providing health and safety for our residents.”

The nationwide police chief search included:

• three community dialogue sessions including a diverse representation of Santa Fe including local law enforcement, the business community, public health and safety, non-profit and advocacy organizations, and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board and Veteran’s Advisory Board;
• a community survey that identified public priorities for the qualities desired in the next police chief and solicited questions for the candidates;
• a public Q&A session where the finalists responded to questions submitted by residents via the community survey;
• the finalists met with Mayor Webber, all City Councilors, City Manager Blair, Community Health & Safety Director Ochoa, and City Attorney Erin McSherry.

Chief Joye has received a number of awards and recognition, including City of Santa Fe Employee of the Month (February, 2011), American Red Cross Real Hero Award (2011), Medal of Valor (2011), and Medal of Merit (2017).

The City of Santa Fe extends its deep gratitude and admiration for all of the qualified applicants, particularly Andrew Rodriguez, who was also a finalist.

For information on the process, community survey results, and community panel feedback visit: santafenm.gov/sfpdchiefsearch2022.