ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina announced he will retire at the end of the year, concluding a 30-year career in law enforcement. Medina has served as APD’s chief since 2020 and informed his commanders of his decision during a final staff meeting Tuesday.
Medina plans to start a new position in January creating leadership programs for police chiefs across the country. During his tenure, APD reported a drop in crime, invested in technology, and ended federal oversight under the Court-Approved Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. He also served as president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association in 2025.
Mayor Tim Keller, who appointed Medina as deputy chief in 2017 and later promoted him to chief, praised his leadership and said a national search for a permanent replacement will begin after an interim chief is named in January.
Medina’s retirement takes effect December 31, 2025.
