Santa Fe Names Ben Valdez Permanent Police Chief
Businesses working with the Santa Fe Police Department should expect continuity in traffic and enforcement programs under the new chief.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People
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Santa Fe has named Ben Valdez as its permanent police chief, effective immediately. The Santa Fe Police Department announced the appointment on Monday, making the change a leadership continuity decision for the city's police operations and the vendors and partners that work with them.
Why it matters
The appointment was made by Interim City Manager Brian Moya and converts an interim arrangement into a permanent one. Valdez had held the role on an interim basis since June 4, so the move gives the department a settled chief after that stretch.
Valdez brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including eight years as deputy chief and a start at the department in 2005. His interim tenure began June 4 and ran until this permanent appointment.
The players
Ben Valdez
Santa Fe Police Department veteran who joined in 2005, served eight years as deputy chief, and has led traffic, speed enforcement, and drone expansion efforts.
Brian Moya
Interim City Manager of Santa Fe who made the appointment of Valdez as police chief.
Santa Fe Police Department
Municipal law enforcement agency serving Santa Fe, responsible for traffic enforcement, patrol, and public safety programs.
The details
Valdez has led expansion of the SFPD Traffic Section, the automated speed and sound enforcement program, and the bicycle patrol and drone use that precede officer arrival at scenes. Those programs show a record of building out operational tools rather than only managing existing units. The move from interim to permanent status means the department's direction is set by a chief who has already run these programs.
Timeline
June 4: Valdez began serving as interim police chief.
Monday: Santa Fe Police Department announced Valdez's appointment as permanent chief, effective immediately.
Market Landscape
Santa Fe's police leadership change follows Valdez's record of expanding the SFPD Traffic Section and automated speed and sound enforcement program during his eight years as deputy chief. Permanent leadership now carries those initiatives forward under a chief already familiar with their operation.
Businesses that depend on Santa Fe's traffic enforcement, public safety coordination, or city contracts should expect continuity under Valdez rather than a shift in direction. Operators working with the department should confirm any pending procurement or permitting steps with the new chief's office.
The takeaway
Santa Fe operators should note that the permanent chief previously led the traffic and enforcement programs now in place, which points to continuity in those areas. Track any department announcements on priorities under Valdez, and route contract or compliance questions to the Santa Fe Police Department directly.
Further reading
For more on how leadership changes shape municipal business and public services, see People coverage on We are Main Street.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOB.
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