Governor appoints new state police chief

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last week announced the appointment of W. Troy Weisler as the 23rd New Mexico State Police chief, effective June 24.

He will succeed New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Q. Johnson, who was appointed in 2019. Chief Johnson is retiring after 23 years.

Weisler currently serves as deputy chief for Strategic Development, Special Projects, Communications and Recruiting and is a 21-year state police veteran. Weisler has worked in every division of the Department of Public Safety’s Law Enforcement Program and will lead a force of more than 700 officers.

“Deputy Chief Weisler has the real-life experience and eye toward the future that a modern police force needs, and the people of New Mexico deserve,” Lujan Grisham said. “As chief, he will focus on building up relationships with local and federal partners to drive down crime and make New Mexico safer. He is dedicated to creating a state police force which reflects the communities it protects by developing and implementing innovative ways to increase diversity within the department.”

“I am grateful to the governor and to the people of New Mexico for entrusting me with this great responsibility,” Weisler said. “Society is changing, technology is rapidly evolving, and the need for public safety and honorable men and women to serve has never been greater. State Police now has access to unprecedented resources, and I am looking forward to quickly deploying them to address the most pressing needs of law enforcement and the people of New Mexico.”

Weisler began his career with the New Mexico State Police as a patrol officer in Deming and Moriarty in 2002. He then served in various investigation, research and narcotics roles in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. He has been deputy chief since 2021.

Weisler holds a Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University; Master of Public Administration, Justice Administration Specialization from Wayland Baptist University; and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University.

Chief Johnson and DPS Secretary Jason R. Bowie have worked closely with deputy chiefs and other state police leadership to prepare for a smooth transition.

“I admire Deputy Chief Weisler’s dependability, calm disposition, and laser focus on the task at hand,” Johnson said. “His leadership and experience have greatly assisted me during the last four years and he is perfectly suited to take command of NMSP. I have no doubt the department will move forward in a manner which will serve our communities well.”

Johnson began his law enforcement career as a New Mexico State Police recruit in 2000. During his time with the Department of Public safety he has worked in every commissioned section, division, and bureau. His extensive knowledge of the department was foundational to his time in leadership and gave him valuable perspective in solving problems.

“I would like to thank Chief Johnson for his steadfast service to the New Mexico State Police and the citizens of New Mexico,” Lujan Grisham said. “He has devoted his career to public service, and I am grateful for the depth of experience and knowledge he has brought to the State Police.”

The chief designate, at the time of the appointment as chief, is required to have been a commissioned New Mexico State Police officer for 10 continuous years immediately prior to their appointment and required to have served not less than three years in a supervisory capacity, per state law.