Belen Police Chief James Harris resigns 

Deputy Chief Jose Natividad appointed chief 

BELEN — Three hours after James Harris resigned as Belen’s police chief, Mayor Robert Noblin appointed, with unanimous consent from the city council, Jose Natividad as the next chief of police at the city council meeting.  

Harris said “ongoing animosity” between him, a city councilor and the city manager is why he resigned from his command. The former chief, who was first appointed to the position in early 2020, said while he enjoyed his time as chief of police in the Hub City, he couldn’t take the “disrespect” he’s been shown from certain members of the city’s leadership.   

Last week, Harris was appointed as the new chief of police in Bethel, Alaska, where he will not only lead the police department but also be the director of public safety, which includes the fire department. Harris said while he won’t be running into burning buildings, he will take hold of the administration side of the department.   

During Monday’s meeting, Harris addressed the governing body and tendered his resignation. He told the council and mayor it was a privilege to lead the BPD, and he had worked “diligently to build strong partnerships with the community and establish relationships …” 

He said during these past four-and-a-half years, he has faced challenges and, despite his efforts to address the conflicts, he feels a “fair resolution” cannot be attained.   

“The consistent disrespect, overreach and harassment directed toward me and my team, as well as the undermining of my authority, have created an untenable situation,” the chief told the city council.  

While he didn’t name names during the council meeting, he did tell the News-Bulletin that Belen City Councilor Frank Ortega and City Manager Roseann Peralta “were on a mission to attempt to defame my reputation.” 

While packing his office last Friday, Harris spoke with the News-Bulletin, saying he has tried multiple times to resolve the issues with Ortega and Peralta.   

“Roseann does an amazing job managing this city,” Harris said. “I am not taking that away from her in any way, shape, form or fashion, but she has a personal dislike for me and she knows why that is, and I know why that is. I’m not going to share why that is. 

“What I can tell you is that dislike has absolutely nothing to do with my performance,” Harris said.  

During Monday’s council meeting, Peralta addressed the council regarding Harris’ decision.  

“I believe now that the city has the opportunity for new leadership, to instill a culture of accountability and transparency, which will benefit the department and the officers,” Peralta said. “In turn, the city can move forward and progress giving the citizens a level of service they deserve. 

“Hopefully this will rebuild the trust and confidence within the department and the officers,” the city manager said. “I wish you the best on your next endeavor.” 

During his comments, Harris thanked Noblin, and Councilors Steve Holdman, Rudy Espinoza and Tracy Armijo for their support.  

“I hold each of you in high regard and trust that you will continue to lead Belen towards positive change,” Harris said. “I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.” 

Noblin and Councilors Armijo, Espinoza and Holdman thanked Harris for his service to the city and told him they appreciated his dedication to the department.  

Ortega told Harris during the councilor communication portion of the meeting that he too wished him well.  

“We had differences of opinion, but I wish you all the best,” Ortega said. “I believed one way and you believed another regarding the accreditation …” 

When asked what advice he has for the next chief, Harris simply said he wishes them well, and …  

“Avoid conflict if you can, but to stand fast on what you know is right,” he said.  

While he’s excited for the new adventure, Harris did say he was grateful for the opportunities he’s had here in the county, including at other departments, such as the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office and the Los Lunas Police Department. Harris began his law enforcement career in 1992 in his home state of Louisiana, where he first worked for the state’s corrections department and then as a sheriff’s deputy.  

“I love Alaska, the environment and the people, who are genuinely the nicest people I’ve ever met,” Harris said. “They’re inviting and polite, and I’m looking forward to serving them.” 

Harris has been looking for a position in the northern part of the country for a while, saying when he went to Alaska earlier this month for a second interview, he was able to meet the council, the mayor and the community.  

“It’s heartbreaking to leave, but it’s something I have to do,” the chief said. “I think we’ve come a long way in the short time I’ve been here. I’m very proud of what we’ve done here. It’s a bitter-sweet pill having to wrestle with leaving Valencia County.” 

His wife, Terri, said she’s very supportive of his decision, and is excited for him and their future.  

Harris said he’s proud of what he’s been able to accomplish in the Hub City, including decreasing crime, reestablishing the school resource officer program and staffing three officers including a sergeant. He’s also pleased with being able to build up the Neighborhood Watch program as well as moving the annual National Night Out to Anna Becker Park, where he said community involvement has increased over the last few years.   

While he is proud of what he’s done here, he did hope for a little more time to see the new police station come to fruition as well as the re-accreditation of the department.   

Harris also addressed Belen residents and the dedicated officers. 

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have served as your chief,” he said. “It has been a privilege beyond measure.” 

After the mayor and council formally appointed Natividad to the police chief position, Harris congratulated his deputy chief, saying his steadfast support has been indispensable.  

“Your dedication and trustworthiness makes you the ideal candidate, and will propel the Belen Police Department into the future,” Harris said. “I have full confidence in your ability to drive positive change within the police department.” 

Natividad, an Albuquerque native, has worked for the Belen Police Department for 17 years, having been promoted through the ranks, including to deputy chief a couple of years ago.  

As he stepped up to the podium Monday evening, Natividad first took a few moments to compose himself, and then thanked the council and mayor for their confidence in him, as well as his family, his friends, fellow officers and the community. 

“This marks a bittersweet moment, and I wish to express my deepest appreciation to Chief Harris for … the path to continued success,” Natividad said. “I’m a firm believer in team work, as well as that of the residents. Together, we can thrive by confronting the drug-related challenges we face.”