Chief; qualifications; removal.

A. The chief is the executive officer of the New Mexico state police and is subject to the control, supervision and direction of the secretary. The appointee, at the time of appointment as chief by the secretary, shall have been a member of the New Mexico state police holding a permanent commission for ten continuous years immediately prior to the appointment and shall have served not less than three years in a supervisory capacity. Appointment shall be made with the consent of the senate. B. The chief shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary. C. The seniority and retirement rating of the chief shall be continuous as for any other member. D. The chief shall maintain an office in Santa Fe in such quarters as are provided by the New Mexico state police for that purpose.