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Eugenia Charles Newton

Chair of the Law and Order Committee

Eugenia Charles-Newton

Norman M. Begay

Vice Chair of the Law and Order Committee

Nathan Notah

Member of the Law and Order Committee

Steven R. Arviso

Norman M. Begay

Member of the Law and Order Committee

Herman Daniels, Jr.

Cherilyn Yazzie

Member of the Law and Order Committee

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The Law and Order Committee (LOC) is committed to safeguarding public safety and enhancing law enforcement within the Navajo Nation. Their focus is on ensuring that every Diné citizen receives fair and respectful treatment from law enforcement and emergency services. The 25th Navajo Nation Council Law and Order Committee crafts laws and policies that prioritize and protect the safety of all Diné people. The security of the Diné people is LOC’s mission, and dedication to building a safer Diné communities.

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About the Law and Order Committee

Law and Order Committee: Purpose, Operations, and Procedures

The Law and Order Committee (LOC) is a standing committee of the Navajo Nation Council. It is responsible for legislative oversight of the Navajo Nation’s justice system, including courts, administrative legal tribunals, criminal and juvenile justice, law enforcement, and emergency management. The committee’s primary objectives are to improve the administration of justice, enhance public safety services, and strengthen cooperation between the Navajo Nation’s legal institutions and external agencies​.

    What Is the Law and Order Committee?

    The Law and Order Committee (LOC) is a standing committee of the Navajo Nation Council. Its main role is to oversee all legal and public safety functions of the Navajo Nation, ensuring that the Nation’s justice system operates fairly, independently, and effectively. Using the Diné principles of Nitsáhákees (thinking), Nahat’á (planning), Iiná (life), and Siihásin (reflection/hope), the committee makes informed decisions that serve justice and public safety for the Navajo people.

    Key Responsibilities of the Committee

    The Law and Order Committee is responsible for:

    • Justice System Oversight: Ensuring the Navajo Nation’s justice system—including courts and administrative tribunals—is independent, accountable, and accessible.
    • Judicial Development: Supporting the development of justice system infrastructure, such as judicial buildings and other facilities.
    • Public Safety and Emergency Services: Improving the coordination and effectiveness of Navajo Nation law enforcement, fire services, corrections, and emergency management systems.
    • Legal Representation: Overseeing the provision of legal defense for indigent individuals, criminal defense services, and juvenile justice programs.
    • Intergovernmental Cooperation: Promoting coordination with state, federal, tribal, and local justice and public safety agencies.

    Who the Committee Oversees

    The Law and Order Committee exercises legislative oversight over the following key Navajo Nation departments and functions:

    • Judicial Branch (Courts and Judicial Administration)
    • Division of Public Safety, which includes:
      • Police Services
      • Criminal Investigations
      • Corrections
      • Emergency Management
      • Fire and Rescue
      • Criminal Intelligence
    • Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation Programs
    • Public Defender and Legal Aid Services
    • Administrative Legal Tribunals within the Navajo government

    These departments and programs report to the LOC for policy, operations, and funding oversight. The committee ensures they follow Navajo Nation law and meet the needs of the community.

    Committee Authority and Powers

    The Law and Order Committee has the authority to:

    • Approve agreements involving justice and public safety agencies, including partnerships with outside governments.
    • Review and recommend justice-related policies, laws, and plans to the Navajo Nation Council.
    • Hold hearings, request reports, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs within its jurisdiction.
    • Promote training, resource development, and infrastructure planning to enhance the justice system.
    • Coordinate juvenile justice efforts across different branches and agencies.
    • Advocate for legislative changes and funding that support law enforcement and public safety.

    Committee Meetings and Public Engagement

    The Law and Order Committee holds regular meetings, typically scheduled on Mondays, except during full Navajo Nation Council sessions. These meetings are open to the public, offering an opportunity for citizens to stay informed, provide input, and learn more about public safety and justice initiatives.

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Tuba City Adult Corrections Building No. B

    Legislation 0080-25

    Legislation Title

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Tuba City Adult Corrections Building No. B

    Legislation Description

    The purpose of this proposed resolution is to authorize the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior of the Tuba City Adult Corrections Building No. B

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S Department of the Interior for the Crownpoint Juvenile Corrections Building No. D#7289-B

    Legislation 0077-25

    Legislation Title

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S Department of the Interior for the Crownpoint Juvenile Corrections Building No. D#7289-B

    Legislation Description

    The purpose of this proposed resolution is to authorize the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior of the Crownpoint Juvenile Corrections Building No. D#7289-B

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S Department of the Interior for the Crownpoint Adult Corrections Building No. 7289-A

    Legislation 0076-25

    Legislation Title

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S Department of the Interior for the Crownpoint Adult Corrections Building No. 7289-A

    Legislation Description

    The purpose of this proposed resolution is to authorize the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior of the Crownpoint Adult Corrections Building No. 7289-A

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S Department of the Interior for the Chinle District Adult Corrections Building No. B

    Legislation0075-25

    Legislation Title

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S Department of the Interior for the Chinle District Adult Corrections Building No. B

    Legislation Description

    The purpose of this proposed resolution is to authorize the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior of the Chinle District Adult Corrections Building No. B.

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S Department of the Interior for the Kayenta District Adult Corrections Building No. 149

    Legislation0074-25

    Legislation Title

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S Department of the Interior for the Kayenta District Adult Corrections Building No. 149

    Legislation Description

    The purpose of this proposed resolution is to authorize the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior of the Kayenta District Adult Corrections Building No. 149.

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Tuba City District Police/Investigations Building No. 7173-B

    Legislation0073-25

    Legislation Title

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Tuba City District Police/Investigations Building No. 7173-B

    Legislation Description

    The purpose of this proposed resolutions is to authorize the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior of the Tuba City District Police/Investigations Building No. 7173-B

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Kayenta District Police/Investigations Building No. FA#7309

    Legislation 0072-25

    Legislation Title

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Kayenta District Police/Investigations Building No. FA#7309

    Legislation Description

    The purpose of this proposed resolution is to authorize the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior of the Kayenta District Police/Investigations Building No. FA#7309.

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Chinle District Law Enforcement Building No. 7985-C

    Legislation 0071-25

    Legislation Title

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Chinle District Law Enforcement Building No. 7985-C

    Legislation Description

    The purpose of this proposed resolution is to authorize the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to submit a lease proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior of the Chinle District Law Enforcement Building No. 7985-C

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Crownpoint Navajo Police/Investigations Building No. 7298-B

    Legislation 0070-25

    Legislation Title

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Crownpoint Navajo Police/Investigations Building No. 7298-B

    Legislation Description

    An Action Relating to the Law and Order and Naabik’íyáti’ Committees; Authorizing the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections to Submit a Lease Proposal to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the Crownpoint Navajo Police/Investigations Building No. 7298-B

    Approved Committees

    1. Law & Order Committee
    2. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Nathan Notah

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Amending the Effective Date of Navajo Nation Council Resolution No. CO-47-24

    Legislation 0050-25

    Legislation Title

    An Act Relating to the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee, the Law and Order Committee, the Budget and Finance Committee, the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee, and the Navajo Nation Council; Amending the Effective Date of Navajo Nation Council Resolution No. CO-47-24

    Legislation Description

    This legislation would delay the effective date of Resolution No. CO-47-24

    Approved Committees

    1. Health Education & Human Services Committee
    2. Law & Order Committee
    3. Budget & Finance Committee
    4. Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee
    5. Navajo Nation Council

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Carl R. Slater

    Co-Sponsor: Crystalyne Curley

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Approving the Judicial/Public Safety Facilities Fund Priority List for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, as Agreed to by the Judicial Branch and the Division of Public Safety

    Legislation 0229-24

    Legislation Title

    An Act Relating to The Law and Order Committee; Approving the Judicial/Public Safety Facilities Fund Priority List for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, as Agreed to by the Judicial Branch and the Division of Public Safety

    Legislation Description

    This resolution, if approved, will approve the Judicial/Public Safety Facilities Fund Priority List for FY 2023 and 2024.

    Approved Committees

    1. Law and Order Committee

    Sponsor and Co-Sponsor

    Sponsor: Eugenia Charles-Newton

    Co-Sponsor: N/A

     

    Learn more about this legislation by going to DIBBS

    Learn more about the 25th Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee!

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2025 Law and Order Committee engages Sanders community on public safety priorities ...

    Posted by 25th Navajo Nation Council on Monday, May 5, 2025