03/03/2026
After serving in multiple roles at the Roswell Police Department during the last 19½ years, Alberto Aldana has now stepped into the department’s top job, officially taking over as RPD chief March 1.
Mayor Tim Jennings selected Aldana, who has been deputy chief the last three and half years, as his recommendation to succeed Lance Bateman, who has been RPD chief since May 2023 and retired Feb. 28 of this year. The Roswell City Council on Jan. 16 unanimously approved Aldana as the next police chief.
Aldana takes over as chief after joining RPD in September 2006 and holding the positions and ranks of detective, followed by sergeant in, at different times, the Patrol Division, Technical Services Unit and Criminal Investigations Division, and then lieutenant of, at different times, each of those three divisions. Aldana was promoted to deputy chief in August 2022 and has served in that position until his promotion to chief.
“I would first like to thank God, Dad and Mom for all the opportunities they provided me with,” Aldana says. “I would also like to thank my wife, Yvonne, and our kids for putting up with me and all the things they have allowed me to do. I look forward to the new challenges that come with this new position. I would like to thank my previous supervisors that really made an impact in my life such as Lance Bateman, Filemon Gonzales, Brad McFadin and Mike Taylor. Their guidance, experience and grit truly guided my career through all these years. A special thanks to my sister, Marisol, she’s been my number-one fan.”
Aldana, who was born in Juarez, Mexico, and as a young boy moved with his family to the United States, living in several New Mexico cities before settling in Roswell, has served in the U.S. Army for more than 26 years on active and reserve duty. He currently holds the Army rank of first sergeant.
In addition to having a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Allied American University, Aldana holds a master’s degree in science of leadership from Trident University International and a certificate of achievement in criminal justice education from the University of Virginia. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class #280).
“I know what this position requires,” Chief Aldana emphasizes. “I will put the safety and security of the citizens of Roswell as a priority. I would also like to thank all the law enforcement officers in our community, especially all the staff of the Roswell Police Department, they are the bravest and most hard-working men and women I have ever worked with.”
