On Thursday, March 10, at 6 p.m. the City of Santa Fe will host a public question-and-answer forum on the City’s YouTube Channel in which the two finalists to be the next Chief of Police will answer questions submitted by Santa Feans in the community survey. Each candidate will have up to three minutes to introduce themselves, then will be asked a series of eight questions before they offer a final statement.

Last week, the City of Santa Fe announced the two finalists. Paul Joye is currently the Deputy Chief of Police Operations for the Santa Fe Police Department and is serving as the City’s Interim Police Chief. Andrew Rodriguez is currently the Deputy Chief of Police for the Rio Rancho Police Department.

 Police Chief candidates have undergone a series of engagements aimed at maximizing community participation in the selection process. Last week, all of the qualified police chief candidates participated in two dialogue sessions with a number of Santa Fe leaders representing 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. Additionally, 366 Santa Feans completed the community survey. 

 This week, the two finalists participated in an additional community panel dialogue session attended by members of the original panels as well as a local representative of the NAACP, leaders from the Interfaith Alliance, and the Intergovernmental Outreach Coordinator who serves as a tribal liaison for Santa Fe County. The finalists also met with Mayor Alan Webber, City Councilors, City Manager Blair, Director Ochoa, and City Attorney Erin McSherry.

Director of Community Health and Safety Kyra Ochoa says: “The engagement with community partners in our selection of Chief has enriched the process. Our Chief will be partnering in various ways with every sector represented in the dialogue sessions, and we want as many residents of Santa Fe as possible to get to know the qualities, values, and vision of our next Chief.”

 City Manager John Blair says: “The selection process has produced two excellent finalists for this critical position. Tomorrow evening the broader public will have the opportunity to see them respond to some of the most urgent questions posed in our community survey. I will take their responses into account in making the decision. I invite and urge all Santa Feans to tune into the broadcast."

Residents can tune in on Thursday at 6 p.m. on the City’s YouTube Channel. 

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