Since the Treaty of 1868, public safety on the Navajo Nation was the responsibility of the U.S. Federal government, but administered by the branch of Law & Order.  Several years later ~1872~ the first Navajo police force was organized.  Although they proved to be effective, the force was dissolved three years later. In 1959, the Navajo Tribal Council re-established a tribal police agency under the supervision of the superintendent of police, who was responsible to the Director of the Office of Tribal Administration.

The DPS is comprised of seven departments.  Its present Executive Director is Samson Cowboy. Mr. Cowboy, a veteran for public safety has accumulated years of experience and skills to provide solid leadership for the Navajo Nation DPS.

DPS is preparing to go completely digital reservation-wide via a wireless network, which will connect all district offices with the DPS headquarter.  Additionally, DPS officers –whether it is Navajo Police, Fire & Rescue, and any other DPS squadron- will be securely connected to their posts and each other 24/7 so that it will be possible for all the officers to be out in the field across the reservation and attend to administrative duties, such as filing reports, at the same time.  Great news for the Navajo public!  Bad news for the bad guys.