Chief of Police

Employment Opportunities

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The Village of Columbus, New Mexico, is seeking a visionary and community-oriented law enforcement leader to serve as its Chief of Police and lead the re-establishment of the Columbus Police Department. For the first time in 14 years, our village is forming its own police force, and this represents a historic opportunity to build a modern department from the ground up, establishing its culture, policies, and direction in close partnership with the community it serves.

Located in Luna County, three miles from the U.S.

-Mexico border, Columbus is a resilient community of approximately 1,800 residents with a rich history and a vibrant, predominantly Hispanic (93%) culture. We are not looking for a traditional police chief; we are looking for a dedicated public servant committed to the principles of community-based policing. The ideal candidate will be a builder, a mentor, and a diplomat who understands the nuances of policing in a small, rural, bilingual, and international border community.

The Chief of Police will report directly to the Mayor and will be responsible for all aspects of planning, organizing, and directing the operations of the new Columbus Police Department.

• Develop and implement all departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Establish standards for recruitment, selection, training, and retention of qualified police officers and staff.
• Prepare and manage the department's inaugural budget; oversee all financial operations, including purchasing and payroll.
• Plan for the acquisition of necessary equipment, technology, and facilities.
• Serve as the final authority on all disciplinary matters within the department.

• Act as the chief proponent and implementer of a community-based policing model that emphasizes trust, transparency, and collaboration.
• Proactively and consistently engage with community members, civic groups, business owners, and schools to build strong, positive relationships.
• Develop programs and strategies that address community concerns, such as youth outreach, crime prevention education, and neighborhood watch programs.
• Ensure the department is accessible, approachable, and responsive to the needs of all residents.

• Plan, direct, and coordinate the department's law enforcement activities, including patrol, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigations.
• Personally participate in patrol and other law enforcement duties as a working chief.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, including the Luna County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico State Police, and U.S. Border Patrol.

• Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and supervision to all future department personnel.
• Foster a departmental culture of integrity, professionalism, de-escalation, and service.
• Ensure all personnel receive continuous training, especially in cultural competency, constitutional law, and community policing techniques.

• Experience:
  
  A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible sworn law enforcement experience, with at least one (1) year in a supervisory role (e.g., Corporal, Sergeant, or higher).
• Language:
  Fluency in both English and Spanish (verbal and written) is required.
• Certification:
  Must possess a current New Mexico Law Enforcement Officer certification or be able to obtain certification through the waiver/certification-by-waiver process within six (6) months of employment.
• Education:
  
  High school diploma or GED equivalent is required. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Residency:
  Must establish and maintain residency within the corporate limits of the Village of Columbus within an agreed-upon timeframe (e.g., 6 months) from the date of hire.
• Valid Driver's License:
  Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Background:
  Must be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including psychological, medical, and drug screenings. Must not have any felony convictions or a history of serious misdemeanor convictions.

• An unwavering commitment to and deep understanding of community-based policing principles and practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• The ability to earn the trust and respect of a diverse, primarily Hispanic community.
• Experience in policy development, budget management, and strategic planning.
• A collaborative spirit and experience working in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
• A strong understanding of the unique social…