Chief of Police

The Town of Taos, NM is seeking a new Chief of Police.  The current Police Chief is retiring after many years with the Department.  Taos is a town of over 7,000 people in northern New Mexico’s high desert, bounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Mayor and Council are responsible for setting policies and adopting operating and capital budgets. The Town of Taos Legislative Government is formed by the Mayor and four Council Members. The Mayor and Council Members are elected at-large in a Municipal Election. Each Council Member serves a four-year term. The Town Manager selects the Police Chief who reports directly to the Manager.

The Taos Police Department is comprised of 24 commissioned / sworn personnel and 6 civilian staff members. The Department’s 2023-2024 Total Annual FY Budget is $3,029,273. The Taos Police Department is committed to serving the Town of Taos with professional and community-focused policing services. By fostering strong community ties and addressing problems through problem-oriented policing, the Department creates a safe environment for all citizens. The team is comprised of exceptional individuals committed to community based and problem-oriented policing in partnership with law-abiding community members to secure a great quality of life in Taos.  The successful candidate will bring:

• In-depth knowledge and experience in the management of a municipal police department serving a variety of demographics and cultural backgrounds
• Experience providing a high level of community engagement, outreach, and community-oriented policing practices.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills in working collaboratively with the other government departments, as well as with other law enforcement agencies, local businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in police science, criminology, or some other related field; and ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience; five (5) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; OR

• An equivalent combination of education and
• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license; or obtain such license within 30 days following appointment.
• Must possess and maintain a state of New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification; or obtain such certification within 9 months of

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual salary for the Chief of Police is $113,934 with a very comprehensive benefits package: including: 100% major medical premium paid for employee with a choice of State of New Mexico Blue Cross Blue Shield, HMO & PPO; Presbyterian or Cigna OAP & OAPIN; State of New Mexico Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement; Personal leave and holiday pay; Employee development and training programs, and much more.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, and at least five job related references (with email and phone numbers), no later than close of business on July 8, 2024, to Jeff Hale, Mercer Group Associates, jeffhale1968@@gmail.com. Please contact Mercer Group Associates: Jeff Hale at 706-371-6126 or Lisa Ward at 706-983-9326 with any questions.