Navajo Nation Police Chief Phillip Francisco has announced he’ll step down from his job at the end of the year. He ushered in several reforms credited with growing the ranks of the department.
Francisco was picked to lead the Navajo Police Department in 2016. During his tenure, the Navajo Police training academy was re-established, which helped boost recruitment on the force tasked with policing large sections of the mostly rural reservation. Currently about 200 tribal officers patrol the area larger than West Virginia. A study released earlier this year recommended the Navajo Nation needs at least 500 officers.
Francisco also led the push to increase officer salaries, which Navajo leaders say helps with recruitment and retention.
Francisco will become the new chief of the Bloomfield Police Department in northwestern New Mexico. In a statement, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez praised the chief, saying the tribe’s police department has been vastly improved under Francisco’s leadership.
"Chief Francisco will always be recognized as a Diné warrior who served our people on the frontlines with great honor and commitment," says Nez.
Navajo Deputy Police Chief Daryl Noon will take over the top job on the force when Francisco steps down at the end of December.
