On Saturday, the enforcement team issued a total of 71 citations during roadblocks on State Highway 264 in Tse Bonito, New Mexico and on US Highways 491 near Hogback, New Mexico. On Sunday, the team issued 8 citations during roadblocks and saturation patrols on US Highway 160 in Tuba City, Arizona and State Highway 191 in Chinle, Arizona.
From the Navajo Police Department:
Monday, April 20, 2020
The Navajo Police Department issued 179 citations during the second 57-hour weekend curfew, 108 of which reflected curfew violation citations and 71 for traffic violations. The numbers reflect preliminary totals that were provided by six out of seven police districts.
The Navajo Police Department traffic enforcement team took the helm of this weekend's curfew operations by coordinating four roadblocks and saturation patrols in both the western and eastern areas of the Navajo Nation while district departments coordinated PSA checkpoints in communities and also conducted saturation patrol throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, the enforcement team issued a total of 71 citations during roadblocks on State Highway 264 in Tse Bonito, New Mexico and on US Highways 491 near Hogback, New Mexico. On Sunday, the team issued 8 citations during roadblocks and saturation patrols on US Highway 160 in Tuba City, Arizona and State Highway 191 in Chinle, Arizona.
The Navajo Police District numbers during PSA checkpoints and patrol (both curfew and traffic citations) are as follows:
Shiprock, New Mexico – 7 total citations
Crownpoint, New Mexico – 31 total citations
Tuba City, Arizona – 48 total citations
Chinle, Arizona – 2 total citations
Kayenta, Arizona – 6 citations
Dilkon, Arizona – 6 citations
“As far as patrol, our officers were out there doing their job and issuing these citations. Although there was an increase in traffic from the previous weekend, this could be partially due to families getting stimulus checks and in need of supplies.” Chief Francisco said. “The operation included our traffic enforcement team doing roadblocks on major road corridors while our district offices coordinated community PSAs and saturation patrol.”
Although the majority of the people complied with the weekend curfew, a noticeable increase in traffic can be observed throughout the week during non-curfew times.
“We continue to ask the public to keep their safety in mind by adhering to the health orders and to wear a face mask when out in public. In addition, we continue to discourage the public from traveling unless otherwise for essential needs.” Chief Francisco added.
Monday, April 13, 2020
The Navajo Police Department issued over 115 Navajo Nation Criminal Nuisance citations for curfew violations during the 57-hour weekend curfew imposed by the Navajo Public Health Emergency Order No. 2020-05.
Throughout the seven police districts, over 120 officers contributed to the successful implementation of the department’s curfew operation efforts, which consisted of community PSA announcements, curfew saturation enforcement, and public service announcement checkpoints.
The implementation of the 57-hour weekend curfew began on Friday, April 10 at 8:00 P.M. and ended this morning at 5:00 A.M. The intent and purpose of the curfew was to restrict the movement of individuals on the Navajo Nation and minimize the growth and spread of COVID-19 in communities.
The overall success of the operation was evident in the limited number of travelers on the roadways, with the exception of essential employees who provided proper documentation.
