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San Juan County sheriff says MOU with Navajo Nation approved to formalize mutual assistance
Summary
The sheriff reported that Navajo Nation legislation unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding to formalize cooperative assistance between the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and Navajo Nation Police, covering imminent threats, natural disasters and search-and-rescue assistance.
San Juan County’s sheriff told commissioners on May 19 that the Navajo Nation legislature recently approved the first memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Navajo Nation and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff said the MOU formalizes longstanding, informal cooperation and will provide legal coverage for county personnel when law-enforcement assistance is requested by Navajo Nation Police.
The sheriff said the MOU permits Navajo PD to request county assistance through one of their sergeants in urgent circumstances such as imminent threats to life or natural disasters; when called, county personnel will be covered as to legal liability under the agreement. The sheriff said the MOU was drafted with assistance from the county legal team and the Navajo Department of Justice and that he expects to sign it soon.
Commissioners lauded the development as a step toward stronger intergovernmental collaboration. The sheriff noted his limited jurisdiction on Navajo Nation land but said the MOU will improve the ability to coordinate helicopter search-and-rescue responses and other mutual aid.
What happens next: the sheriff anticipates final execution and signature, and the county will implement operational details through its legal and command staff.
