Deputy Chief, New Mexico State Police | Trailblazer in Law Enforcement Leadership
Deputy Chief Carolyn Huynh
Deputy Chief Carolyn Huynh has 21 distinguished year’s of service with the New Mexico State Police and is a pivotal figure in law enforcement leadership. A graduate of the New Mexico State Police 70th Recruit School in 2003, she began her career in Vaughn, New Mexico, demonstrating a commitment to protecting and serving her community. Shortly after, she advanced to the Investigations Bureau, where she conducted and oversaw hundreds of high-stakes investigations, including Crimes Against Children, Sex Crimes, Violent Domestic Abuse, Homicides, and Narcotics. Her expertise also extended to coordinating statewide operations, fostering partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government organizations, and community leaders to make lasting, positive impacts throughout New Mexico.
In 2012, Deputy Chief Huynh was promoted to Sergeant of the Training and Recruiting Bureau. She distinguished herself as a Master Instructor in Domestic Violence and a recognized subject matter expert, frequently called upon to testify on legislative reforms. During this time, she was also elected President of the New Mexico State Police Association (NMSPA), a testament to her peers’ confidence in her leadership. Her presidency concluded with her promotion to Lieutenant in the Investigations Bureau, where she led teams in solving and managing some of the state’s most complex and violent criminal cases.
In 2018, Deputy Chief Huynh achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female officer in the history of the New Mexico State Police to attend the prestigious FBI National Academy Executive Leadership Program in Quantico, Virginia. The following year, in April 2019, she shattered another glass ceiling by being appointed the first female Deputy Chief of the New Mexico State Police, a role in which she continues to inspire and lead with vision, strength, and dedication.
Deputy Chief Huynh earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on General Management from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management. Her leadership extends beyond policing, as she was appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham as Chairperson for the Extreme Risk Firearms Protection Task Force, where she advocates for policies to enhance public safety across the state.
As the first woman to achieve the rank of Deputy Chief in the New Mexico State Police, Deputy Chief Carolyn Huynh exemplifies excellence, innovation, and service, making her a beacon of inspiration for law enforcement professionals nationwide.