The national search is well underway for a new Chief of the Albuquerque Police Department after the December 31 retirement of former APD Chief Harold Medina and with the appointment of Interim APD Chief Cecily Barker on the same day by Mayor Tim Keller.
On January 8, Mayor Tim Keller announced that he had begun a national search process of selecting a new APD Chief to replace former APD Chief Harold Medina. Chief Medina retired on December 31, 2025, after three decades in law enforcement. Medina was appointed by Mayor Keller APD Chief and served as Chief since September 2021. Chief Medina was the second APD Chief Mayor Keller appointed in the last 8 years and he replaced former Chief Michael Geier.
According to the news release, community input sessions were scheduled so residents, advocates, organizations and businesses can “identify the leadership qualities, experience and priorities desired in the next chief of police,” the release states. Residents were able to take a community survey to “ensure broad and meaningful input. “ Mayor Tim Keller said he’s looking for someone who can meet today’s challenges, including fentanyl and long-standing cracks in the criminal justice system.
On December 31, in a New Year’s Eve news release, Mayor Keller announced his appointment of APD Deputy Chief Cecily Barker as Interim APD Chief. Cecily Barker has been with APD over 20 years and has come up through the ranks.
Mayor Tim Keller said this in a January 8 news release:
“We are in a very different environment now that we completed our reform efforts with the Department of Justice; our crime-fighting strategies are working, and we are attracting more officers. … We also know the community is still concerned about safety. We have an opportunity to choose a police chief who will rise to meet today’s challenges, like the proliferation of fentanyl and long-standing cracks in the criminal justice system.”
Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:
https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-process-select-new-police-chief/69961764
https://www.abqjournal.com/news/albuquerque-launches-search-for-new-police-chief/2956953
https://abqraw.com/post/100000-city-contract-awarded-to-find-next-police-chief/
PUBLIC SECTOR SEARCH & CONSULTING INC
The Keller Administration hired the outside firm Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc., to assist in the search and selection process for a new APD Chief. The firm specializes in police executive searches and has aided dozens of large law enforcement agencies, including those in Chicago and Dallas. The city has used the firm in the past, including for the search and selection of Deputy APD Chief. According to the city of Albuquerque’s public records website, the firm’s contract began January 2 and has a maximum limit of $100,000.
According to its web site, Public Sector Search & Consulting holds itself out as a “boutique executive” search firm that serves a limited number of clients and emphasizes a higher level of responsiveness. It is an executive staff search firm that focuses exclusively on recruiting police executives. The firms recruiters are former police chiefs who have extensive knowledge and expertise in both contemporary policing and recruiting practices. The firm proclaims its understanding of the candidate pool is unrivaled and that every new search it conducts relies on their vast network of police leaders.
The link to their web site is here:
PUBLIC SECTOR SEARCH & CONSULTING INC. ANNOUNCMENT
Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc. released the following announcement on the city’s national search for a new APD Chief:
The City of Albuquerque is conducting a national search for its next Chief of Police. This is a rare opportunity to lead a large, professional metropolitan police department that has completed a significant period of reform and is now serves in a post–consent decree environment. Albuquerque seeks a seasoned police executive ready to build on a strong foundation, inspire a committed workforce, and partner with a diverse and engaged community to advance 21st-century policing.
Over the past decade, the City has made substantial investments in constitutional policing, accountability, training, and modern systems. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) operates with clear standards embedded in policy, supervision, and organizational culture. The department is stable, professionally grounded, forward-looking, and well-positioned to sustain momentum, strengthen public trust, and continue an upward trajectory focused on operational excellence and community confidence.
The APD is a full-service metropolitan law enforcement agency with approximately 1,822 sworn and civilian professionals and an annual operating budget of $284.7 million. The Department delivers comprehensive police services through multiple bureaus that support patrol, investigations, specialized operations, training, and community engagement. APD places a strong emphasis on data-driven policing, transparency, and the exercise of professional discretion to advance public safety and community confidence. APD enters this next chapter with clear expectations, strong systems, and a workforce committed to professionalism, service, and public trust.
The next Chief of Police will inherit a large, complex metropolitan police department serving a diverse and dynamic community with high expectations and the desire for the next Chief to understand the unique needs of this community. The Chief will be expected to continue driving crime reduction through intelligence-led and evidence-based strategies. Key priorities include strengthening recruitment, retention, officer-wellness, and leadership development; reinforcing accountability and public trust; expanding partnerships related to behavioral health and crisis response; and leveraging technology and analytics to improve operational performance and organizational transparency.
The ideal candidate is a highly visible, principled, and forward-thinking police executive with demonstrated experience leading a large, complex organization. The successful candidate will be a steady, confident, and credible leader with strong operational instincts who is approachable, authentic, and skilled in collaborating effectively with elected officials and city leadership. A deep commitment to professionalism, integrity, and workforce development is essential, as is the ability to guide a capable department into its next era of excellence.
The City offers a competitive executive compensation package, with salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience, designed to attract highly qualified candidates nationwide. The first review of applications will occur in late February or early March 2026; however, this recruitment remains open until it is filled. Early applications are encouraged. Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé, cover letter, and professional references to www.publicsectorsearch.com.
Confidential inquiries may be directed to Gary Peterson, Chief of Police (Ret.) and President/CEO, at 916.622.5323 or gary@publicsectorsearch.com, or to Ronald Walsh Jr., Police Commissioner (Ret.) and Senior Consultant, at 516.672.5031 or ron@publicsectorsearch.com.
Click to access abq-police-chief.pdf
The POSTSCRIPT to this article provides the full job description for APD Chief.
Mayor Keller announced he would do a national search for a new chief.
The city hired the out of state firm Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc. to assist in the search for a new Police Chief. The firm specializes in police executive searches. The firm’s contract began January 2 and has a maximum limit of $100,000.
APPLICANTS AND COMMUNITY INPUT
At least 14 people have applied to be appointed the new APD Chief, including Interim Chief Cicily Baker. Among the applicants, all but two have ties to New Mexico. Three are women. Interim Police Chief Cecily Barker and Cmdr. Andrew Rodriguez are the internal candidates.
The 14 who have applied include:
- APD Interim Chief Cecily Barker
- APD Commander Andrew Rodriguez
- 3 existing police chiefs
- 2 have ties to New Mexico
- 2 candidates are internal candidates
https://www.koat.com/article/submitted-applications-albuquerque-police-chief-job/70282016
Mayor Keller has said this in a statement:
“Before we start looking at individual candidates, we want to get input on the qualities, experience and priorities of Albuquerque residents for their next chief of police. … Everyone should have an opportunity to have their voice heard.”
The police chief position manages a $186 million department budget, oversees 911 response and shapes the department’s relationship with the community. The position is posted nationally, and interested candidates may apply at apply@publicsectorsearch.com.
The city has said feedback will inform recruitment and evaluation as officials seek a new chief who is committed to constitutional policing practices, accountability, transparency and community trust.
According to news reports, the City of Albuquerque says more than 1,000 people have given their input on what they want to see in the city’s next police chief. The city currently has an online survey to gather community feedback in the search for a new police chief. In addition to the survey, the city says it has held focus groups and public forums to get feedback.
Based on feedback so far, leaders with the City of Albuquerque say they are looking at the following priorities from the community:
- Visible, Ethical, and Accountable Leadership
The city says community members consistently emphasized the need for a Police Chief who is highly visible, engaged, and accessible. They are looking for someone who leads from the front, is present in neighborhoods, and communicates openly with the public. Integrity, transparency, and accountability were cited as essential traits, along with a commitment to restoring and maintaining public trust.
2. Strong Community-Centered Policing and Trust-Building
The city says residents called for a Chief who prioritizes service-oriented policing rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and collaboration. This includes proactive engagement with neighborhoods, advocacy groups, and community leaders, as well as a balanced, humane approach to enforcement. This was particularly in regards to interacting with youth, vulnerable populations, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
3. Improved Responsiveness, Safety, and Operational Effectiveness
The city says residents want improved police responses to calls for service, more visible patrols in high-need areas, and effective deployment of resources. Key concerns included Downtown and transit-area safety, follow-up on serious complaints, fair and consistent treatment across communities, and the use of data-driven strategies.
The City of Albuquerque Chief of Police position is currently posted nationally.
Interested candidates may apply through the City’s job posting at:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq/jobs/5175374/city-of-albuquerque-chief-of-police-un.
Links to quoted or relied upon news sources are here:
City of Albuquerque sees more than 1,000 people weigh in on police chief search – KOB.com
https://www.koat.com/article/submitted-applications-albuquerque-police-chief-job/70282016
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS
Mayor Tim Keller has the very unique opportunity to completely reshape and reorganize the Albquerquerqu Police Department (APD) for a third time with a new generation of leaders and a new generation of police officers to address the city’s crime efforts. Mayor Keller needs to replace the entire Chief’s command staff and completely reorganize the department for a new generation of leadership.
For the last 16 years, APD recruitment has been stagnant, and the department has not been able to keep up with retirements. As it stands, there are only 351sworn police officers, out of a total of 913 sworn police officers, assigned to the six area commands broken down into 3 shifts and patrolling the streets and responding to hundreds of thousands of calls for service a year. APD cannot deal with the city’s high crime rates because of the low number of sworn personnel.
INTERIM CHIEF CECILY BARKER’S ANNOUNCED DEPUTY CHIEF APPOINTMENTS AND REORGANIZATION
On January 9, APD Interim Chief Cecily Barker announced a reorganization of the APD. The reorganization includes new executive appointments and the elimination of 12 command staff positions, many of which were vacant positions. The 12 command staff positions that are being eliminated are a combination of sworn personnel, such as Deputy Commanders for both Internal Affairs division, and professional employees, such as the Director of Analytics.
Interim Chief Barker announced the following changes as part of her new executive team:
- Major Luke Languit was named Interim Deputy Chief of Field
- Medina’s former Chief of Staff Miker Hernandez was named Interim Deputy Chief of Support Services.
- Commander Aaron Jones was named Interim Chief of Staff.
- Deputy Chief George Vega will continue as Deputy Chief of the Investigations Bureau.
- Deputy Chief Josh Brown will continue as Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau.
Chief Barker said this in part about her announced appointments and the reorganization:
“We have an experienced team in place to lead the department forward , while we transition into a new era of public safety in Albuquerque. We are experiencing new challenges in law enforcement , especially in response to the national political climate. We want our community to be assured that APD is prepared.”
“Many of these executive positions were created to help manage important initiatives as we navigated the final push to complete the settlement agreement with the Department of Justice. We no longer need the same level of management. We need to prioritize our resources to maintain the cities reduction in crime.”
The link to a quoted or relied upon news source is here:
The link to review the most current APD organization chart that was updated on January 9, 2026 consisting of 9 pages is here:
https://www.cabq.gov/police/documents/apd-division-org-chart-1-7-26-draft-pdf.pdf
The link to review the one page “Department Summary: Sworn Personnel” which was replaced and updated as recently as January 23, 2026 is here:
https://www.cabq.gov/police/documents/apd-staffing-numbers-2026.pdf
Examination and analysis of the APD Organization Chart and the Summary of APD’s personnel reflects a law enforcement agency that is clearly top heavy and bloated with management in need of a major reorganization, deletion of positions, reassignment of personnel and the recruitment of a new generation of police officers.
INTERIM CHIEF BARKER’S DEPUTY CHIEF APPOINTENTS AND REORGANIZATION REPRESENTS STATUS QUO
It is extremely disappointing that Interim Chief Barker essentially reappointed virtually all of former APD Chief Harold Medina’s Deputy Chief’s and retained the same command staff with the reorganization having very little substance in scope over a department of 950 sworn police. Mayor Keller should replace the entire Chief’s command staff and completely reorganize the department with a new generation of leadership. If the entire command staff that Chief Medina put in is not replaced, including all the Deputy Chiefs, there is little to no chance APD will change. Medina’s heavy handed management policies and management style will remain. APD will revert back to the old ways that brought on the Department of Justice (DOJ) consent decree that lasted for 10 years with the city paying millions of taxpayer dollars to institute constitutional policing practices.
APD is still reeling from 10 years of a DOJ consent decree and a DWI bribery dismissal scandal where 20 cops from 3 agencies have been implicated and 9 APD Officers have plead guilty and are still awaiting sentencing. What Mayor Keller should consider doing to restore confidence in APD and restoring its reputation is appointing a new APD Chief and two, perhaps 3 Deputy Chief’s, who would be recruited from outside of APD ranks and hired at the same time as a whole new management team. They would be brought in together to assume command of APD. This would ensure a new era of command staff to restore confidence and faith in APD and new ideas on how to run a department that has been run into the ground the last 16 years by Mayors Berry and Keller.
APD is top heavy with mid management. APD must do better to increase the number of police patrolling the streets of Albuquerque. Simply put, APD needs far more than one new Chief. It needs a whole new generation and management team of top command staff of Chief and Deputy Chiefs that need to be recruited. It needs a complete reorganization and realignment of staffing to get more sworn police onto the street to patrol.
APPOINTMENT OF PERMANENT CHIEF
When APD Chief Medina retired, he advocated for one of his appointed Deputy Chief’s to take his place and he said this: “I hope that I left a strong bench for mayor to look at and choose.” . Interim Chief Cecily Barker is considered the strongest Medina loyalist. It is common knowledge within APD personnel that Medina groomed Interim Chief Barker to replace him. Her ties to Medina underscores the need to do a national search for a new APD Chief and Deputy Chiefs so that the department can change and grow in a new direction.
Speculation runs rampant amongst City Hall and APD observers that despite Mayor Keller’s public announcement that he will do a national search for a new Chief, he has already made up his mind and will appoint and make Interim Chief Barker permanent. The major reason people feel that Keller will make Barker permanent is that he is following the identical pattern he has followed with his appointments in the past: appoint an interim chief, announce a national search, going through the motions of accepting applications, having extensive public input, and doing interviews only to appoint his interim permanent saying the most qualified person for the job “was right in front of our eyes all along who has been interim chief”.
After 8 years being Mayor and after appointing two APD Chief’s, Keller likely has no doubt what he is looking for in an APD Chief. One nagging rumor is that Mayor Keller is “champing at the bit” to appoint the first female chief of police thereby making Barker his favored choice. It’s clear that based upon her background, resume and over 20 years with APD, Interim Chief Cecily Barker is qualified to be APD Chief. The blunt reality Barker was former Chief Medina’s biggest supporter and “Medina enabler” defending his management decisions. She represents nothing more than a continuation of Medina’s disastrous policies and management style.
Now that Mayor Keller has had the city hire a private firm to the tune of $100,000 to help with a national search, he should go forward himself, along with his Chief Administrative Officer and the City Attorney and do the interviews himself. Mayor Keller needs to decide sooner rather than later who to appoint Chief. If in fact Interim Chief Barker is who he really wants, he should avoid wasting people’s time and the politcal sham of doing a national search and just go ahead and appoint Barker.
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POSTSCRIPT
City of Albuquerque Chief of Police UN
Class Title
City of Albuquerque Chief of Police UN
Class Code
U00205
Salary
$0.00 Annually
Position Summary
The Chief of Police is responsible for transformational leadership of the Albuquerque Police Department, which has approximately 1,500 employees and an annual budget of about $186 million. The position is responsible for overseeing and directing activities to reduce crime, implement constitutional community policing, recruit police officers to bring the Department to full strength, and build strong morale. The Chief of Police is expected to exercise sound judgment, expertise and innovation in establishing and administering Department operations. The Chief of Police must demonstrate and promote high ethical standards within the Department. The Department is under a court-approved settlement agreement with the United States Department of Justice, relating to use of force and other issues. The Chief of Police must provide strong reform-minded leadership as the Department works to achieve and maintain compliance with the agreement. The unclassified at-will position reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.
This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.
This is an unclassified at-will position.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Essential and Supplemental Functions
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Department. Oversee crime reduction, violence intervention, crime prevention, and community policing programs designed to maintenance and improve public safety and ensure the highest possible quality of life for residents and visitors.
- Promote a strong community policing program in accordance with the most current thinking on the six pillars developed by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing; effectuate the culture change within the Department necessary to carry out effective community policing; establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with property owners, community groups, business districts, and the public; represent the Department and the City at community and civic events; advocate accessibility and responsiveness to the City’s diverse communities.
- Ensure that the Department is communicating effectively with all parts of our diverse community through outreach, media, and other avenues regarding its initiatives, recruiting efforts and overall presence in the community.
- Ensure the most efficient, effective and business-like use of staffing and resources; administer the overall operations of the Department, including administrative operations, policing activities and community relations; collaborate with other departments to resolve City-wide problems.
- Confer with legal advisors and other City officials regarding law enforcement issues.
- Build cohesive and collaborative departmental working relationships with officers of all rank, union representatives and civilian staff; maintain accountability and consistent discipline throughout the Department; ensure consistent application of City personnel policies and employee agreements.
- Demonstrate exceptional stewardship of public funds; direct the preparation and administration of the Department budget.
- Participate actively in proceedings and activities related to the court-approved settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice; ensure cross-divisional cooperation to achieve compliance; advocate for resources necessary for compliance; meet with U.S. Department of Justice and Court Monitor representatives.
- Ensure that Department efforts to come up to speed with modern-day policing technology are supported, funded and integrated into all facets of operations.
- Build strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and stakeholders.
- Identify weaknesses in training or capacity in the Department and proactively work to fill those gaps.
- Support efforts to incorporate equity and anti-racism into all aspects of policing.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in criminal justice or related field preferred; and
- Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement management and supervision is preferred, with experience in a major metropolitan law enforcement agency at or above the rank of Captain, Commander, or an equivalent command-level position also preferred.
- Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.
- Ability to obtain a New Mexico Driver’s License.
- Ability to obtain a New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification: Must currently hold a law enforcement certification and be eligible to qualify for the New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification by Waiver course (Non-NM applicants).
- Master’s degree in related field is preferred
Preferred Knowledge
- Completion of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command or the FBI National Academy.
- Functional knowledge of U.S. Department of Justice settlement agreements.
- Advanced knowledge of crime prevention and law enforcement strategies.
- Knowledge and experience utilizing a centralized technology center (e.g., Real Time Crime Center) to direct proactive, predictive, and preemptive policing concepts.
- Principles and practices of quality victim services; understanding of specific challenges related to mental health, homelessness and victims of interpersonal violence and sexual assault.
- Understanding of the needs of businesses and the tourism-based community and its impact on public safety.
- Principles and practices of organizational management and leadership of a large law enforcement agency.
- Applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
- Understanding of collective bargaining agreements and experience in managing a unionized workforce (sworn and civilian).
Preferred Skills and Ability
- Apply experience in constitutional community policing, reducing uses of force, implementing procedural justice, and building strong community relationships, in a manner tailored to our City.
- Effectively direct, plan and organize the activities of a large police department.
- Critically analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Effectively implement, facilitate and expand community policing initiatives.
- Promote collaboration and innovation.
- Exhibit exceptional communication skills.
- Weigh risks and consequences and make clear decisions.
- Equitably interpret and apply City policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Diffuse conflict and gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
- Motivate, select, supervise and evaluate personnel with integrity and accountability.
- Promote fiscal responsibility in administering a departmental budget.
- Develop and uphold professional standards for police; deliver quality training.
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships with community groups.
- Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Work effectively with the chiefs and directors of other City departments and City administration.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq/classspecs/1220034
The links to relied upon or quoted articles are here:
Here’s how you can shape the search for Albuquerque’s next police chief