Chief of Police - John Balderston

Hello, I'm John Balderston and I'm the Chief of Police of this proud department. I've been a part of Law Enforcement for over 31 years. I started in 1976 with the New Mexico State Police and retired from that agency in 2001 after 25 years of service as the southeast Area Commander.

We will all forever remember 9/11 and how it changed our lives and our perception of our personal and national security. Shortly after my retirement I found myself back in the law enforcement community helping to get our Air Marshal's in the sky. I was proud to do my small part to help our country make the skies friently again.

Having completed that work, I joined the Roswell Police Department in December 2002 as Police Chief. I serve with a fine group of professionals that really do care about our citizens and making Roswell a safe place to live and raise our families.

I would describe Law Enforcement work as a way of life. It is so much more than just a job. We're in the people business and we represent victims of crime. Oftentimes, we're the only voice a victim has. We're their only chance for justice. Tha's not something to be cavalier about and it's not something easily turned off at the end of the day or shift. We are that thin blue line that separtes order from chaos and anarchy in our society. It feels good to a part of something that is so good and true.

Take some time and look this website over. If Law Enforcement is for you, come join us.