IT WAS ALL SMILES at Police Headquarters Thursday afternoon after City Manager John Blair and Mayor Alan Webber informed the force that Paul Joye is officially the Chief of the Santa Fe Police Department.
City Manager Blair, who led the search with Community Health and Safety Director Kyra Ochoa, 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 joined the force in 2006 and rose to become Deputy Chief (Operations) and has served as interim Chief since December 3, 2021.
Chief 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.”
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.”
The appointment is the result of a robust and inclusive nationwide search process that included three community dialogue sessions with a diverse representation of Santa Fe interests; a community survey and public Q&A session; and meetings with the Mayor, all the City Councilors, and City Attorney McSherry.