Durango Picks Brice Current to be New Police Chief

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.