Las Cruces City Manager Robert Garza today named Jaime R. Montoya as the city’s new police chief. Montoya, 47, currently serves as deputy chief for the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD), a position he’s held since January 2010. He will take over as chief December 29, succeeding Richard Williams who will retire at the end of December.
“I am pleased to select Jaime Montoya as our new chief of police. He has proven abilities and a strong community spirit that will help the Las Cruces Police Department continue with the positive directions that have been put in place over the last several years. I have the utmost confidence in Jaime and know that he will do great in representing our police, the City of Las Cruces, and the community’s interests, each and every day,” Garza said.
Montoya is a 22-year veteran of LCPD. He holds a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and graduated from the Las Cruces Police Academy in 1991. During the course of his career, he served as a patrol officer, traffic officer, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant prior to becoming deputy chief in charge of the department’s operations and budget.
"I have many emotions on being chosen as the new chief for the LCPD. I am honored and enthused about starting this new chapter. This is an exciting time for the LCPD as we continue to move forward. The City of Las Cruces will see new leaders in the department due to retirements, and I am certain these new leaders will be an asset to LCPD and the community,” Montoya said.
Outgoing Chief Williams said of Montoya, "Chief Montoya has been an outstanding public servant for the citizens of Las Cruces for the past 22 years. He excelled at every rank and it was an honor to serve the citizens of Las Cruces with him for the last three and a half years."
Montoya’s salary will be $110,000 annually.