During the August 19, 2024, meeting of the Estancia Board of Trustees, Mayor Nathan Dial swore in Sergeant Thomas Carter as Estancia's new interim police chief. On August 14, 2024, Dial had explained that Carter's predecessor, Jason Downing, had been relieved from his position as interim

According to claims by members of Estancia Police, Torrance County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) no longer has the personnel to cover late-night law enforcement matters. Mountainair’s incoming police chief, expected before the end of May 2024, has not yet arrived. Now, Estancia’s police force is down to