Belen Mayor Noblin suspends search for new police chief

BELEN—Less than a month after the former Belen police chief resigned his position, the mayor has decided to suspend the search to replace him until after the November election.

Jose Natividad resigned as police chief on March 12, 10 months after he was appointed to the position. After his resignation last month, Belen Mayor Robert Noblin appointed Lt. Adam Keck as the interim chief, and opened the position for applications. The deadline for applications was April 1.

According to a Inspection of Public Records request from the News-Bulletin for the police chief applications, the city responded by sending the newspaper a total of 14 resumes they received, including one from Keck. The applicants ranged from retired police chiefs and high-ranking law enforcement officers from New York to New Mexico.

After the application deadline passed, Noblin told the News-Bulletin he was suspending the search, saying he had a different plan.

“As mayor, my priority is ensuring stability and continuity within the Belen Police Department. Given that this is an election year, I have decided not to make an immediate appointment for a permanent police chief,” Noblin said. “Making such a decision now could lead to further disruptions if there is a change in administration.”

Noblin said if he chooses not to run for reelection or if the election results in a new mayor, the new mayor will have the opportunity to appoint a police chief of their choosing.

“In the meantime, the interim chief will continue leading the department, ensuring that our officers have the support they need to serve and protect our community effectively,” the mayor said. “My focus remains on maintaining strong leadership within the department while allowing for a smooth transition in the future.”

Noblin also said Keck will help with the ongoing process of moving the department to its new home on Castillo Avenue once the renovations are completed.

As for those who have already applied to be the next chief of police in Belen, Noblin encourages them to reapply when the application process is open again.

“Anyone who has applied can certainly reapply when the position is reopen,” he said. “The normal process will begin at that point, beginning with resumes, along with several in person interviews to find the right candidate, before it is brought to the council for a final vote.”

According to the posting for chief, the qualifications include:

• Law enforcement certification and executive level certification are required

• Previous experience in a senior law enforcement leadership role required

• Extensive knowledge of criminal justice laws, enforcement procedures and judicial processes

• Strong understanding of modern policing methods, crime prevention strategies and community-oriented policing

• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to direct and evaluate law enforcement operations effectively