The first Navajo Police force was organized in 1872.  Although they proved to be extremely effective the force was dissolved three years later.  Since the Treaty of 1868, Law Enforcement on the Navajo Nation was the responsibility of the Federal Government and administered by the Branch of Law & Order.

In 1959, the Navajo Tribal Council re-established a tribal police agency under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police.  In addition to its law enforcement responsibilities, the Navajo Department of Law Enforcement assumed responsibility for the care and custody of prisoners.

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As a result of multi-jurisdictional duties and responsibilities placed on the Navajo Police Officers, they must be prepared to handle violations of laws by non-Indians, non-members, and members of the Navajo Nation.  For this reason, the Navajo Police undergo intensive Basic Training in order to become a certified as Navajo Police Officer, State Peace Officers in AZ, NM, UT, and as agents of the Federal Government per contractual agreements.

At present, the Navajo Nation Department of Law Enforcement is headed by a Chief of Police, six Police Captains, one Police Lieutenant; which provide oversight for the DPS departments of Internal Affairs & Criminal Investigation, patrol division, fiscal management, and recruitment & training.

Law Enforcement is comprised of seven districts: Chinle, Crownpoint, Dilkon, Kayenta, Shiprock, Tuba City, and Window Rock.  Each district is commanded by a Police Captain, except three districts which are commanded by a Police Lieutenant.  Each Commander has oversight of Criminal Investigations, Uniform Patrol, and Support Services.

Currently the Navajo Nation Law Enforcement has 319 Police Officers, ____ Criminal Investigators, plus a civilian support staff of 279.  The number of Police Officers per population of 1000 is 1.9 as compared to 2.5 per 1000 at the national level.

The majority of personnel costs are funded by federal contracts and grants.  The operational costs are funded by Navajo Nation General Funds.