Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee approved a legislation May 14 supporting a mutual aid agreement between the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, Navajo Police Department, and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation during emergencies and disasters affecting communities within the Navajo Nation. This significant agreement is the first between the Navajo Nation and San Juan County Sheriff’s office.
Legislation No. 0046-26 authorizes coordinated law enforcement assistance and voluntary mutual aid responses in situations involving imminent threats to human life, emergency incidents, and disaster-related operations occurring within San Juan County and Navajo Nation jurisdictions. The proposed agreement establishes procedures for cooperation while recognizing the governmental authority and jurisdiction of both entities.
The agreement is intended to improve public safety response capabilities through enhanced communication and operational coordination between the Navajo Police Department and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. The Navajo Nation Department of Justice reviewed the agreement and determined it to be legally sufficient.
Legislation sponsor, Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez, emphasized the importance of partnerships that strengthen emergency preparedness and protect Navajo communities located on and near county and state jurisdictions.
“Public safety is important for everyone and shall remain a priority that must be addressed to the best of one’s ability,” he said. “This agreement reinforces cooperative relationships between law enforcement agencies because of shared responsibility. When emergencies occur, our communities deserve coordinated and immediate responses that are prompt and improve public
safety outcomes.”
The proposed agreement outlines procedures for requesting mutual aid assistance, operational
responsibilities, processing protocols, and coordination measures during emergency situations. The agreement states that both parties would maintain their own governmental authority and internal oversight responsibilities while cooperating during incidents requiring assistance.
The Naabik’íyáti’ Committee serves as the final authority on Legislation No. 0046-26 and approved the measure under a consent agenda with a vote of 14 in favor and none opposed.
