Durango Picks Brice Current to be New Police Chief

Brice Current, Durango's New Chief of Police

Brice Current was a former narcotics agent with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in Aztec, NM. He was hired as Durango's Deputy Police Chief in 2019.

From the City of Durango

Friday, April 5, 2024

The City of Durango has selected Deputy Chief of Police Brice Current to be appointed the new police chief of the Durango Police Department.  

The decision was unanimous among the panels representing the City Manager’s Office and the visiting police chiefs, as well as the city’s Executive Leadership Team. 

Current said he’s aimed to bring a fresh perspective that balances the rigors of law enforcement with a genuine concern for the well-being of the community and the officers. 

“My approach has been to prioritize safety while maintaining a deep understanding of the human element involved,” Current said. “Balancing these aspects means acknowledging the necessity of enforcing city ordinances while also striving to support and uplift those in need.”

Current said his compassionate approach to policing stems from the lessons he learned as an undercover narcotics agent with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. Current was hired as deputy chief for Durango in August 2019. He manages day-to-day operations of the police department and meets with community leaders and residents. 

The city has been searching for a new chief for the past few months after it was announced that Chief Bob Brammer would be promoted to an assistant city manager position. “During my tenure as chief I have made tens of thousands of decisions,” said Brammer. “The best decision I ever made was to bring Brice in as our deputy chief. As far as my new role I am ecstatic to continue to serve in a larger role as our city continues to grow and strive for excellence.”

Durango City Council will vote on the approval of his appointment at the next council meeting on April 16. If council approves the appointments of Current and Brammer, their new roles will be effective April 17. The city is in the process of filling the deputy chief position.

City manager José Madrigal said Brammer and Current will work on a transition plan in the coming days, as well as communicate with the police department on their new roles. “I am incredibly excited that both promotions are internal and continue to show the excellence of our staff,” said Madrigal. 

More from Local News

  • Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

    The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.

  • Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

    The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County.  Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.

  • *Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

     The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:

  • 90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

    The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.

  • Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

    Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside.  Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • Diné College Selects New President

    Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 23°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 52°F | Low: 16°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 59°F | Low: 27°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 23°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 54°F | Low: 28°F