Law Enforcement

Santa Clara Tribal

Police Department

Our Mission

It is the mission of the Santa Clara Tribal Police Department to provide the highest quality police service, to enforce tribal codes, ordinances and resolutions for the Pueblo of Santa Clara. The Santa Clara Tribal Police Department provides professional, knowledgeable, and focused law enforcement services to ensure the safety and well-being of all tribal members and visitors, while promoting community commitment. Our professional staff work with compassion and respect to form partnerships with our community organizations to reduce crime and improve the quality of life.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) Granted

The Santa Clara Tribal Pueblo Police Department was tasked to obtain Special Law Enforcement Commissions for all Certified Law Enforcement Officers employed by the Department through the Department of Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs. The first step was to obtain Tribal Councils approval, pass a Resolution and to complete an inter-Government/Agencies Agreement between the two entities. This was completed and signed by Governor J. Michael Chavarria on May 26, 2015. The Department then had to complete application packets for each individual law enforcement officer with in the Department. A full FBI and State background check needed to be completed in order to submit their application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In December of 2022 all current Police Officers with the Department completed and submitted their SLEC Application Packets. In May 2023, all Police Officers who submitted their SLEC applications with the Department received their BIA Special Law Enforcement Commission, which authorizes each officer the authority to conduct investigations and exercise the authority delegated by Virtue of US Code 25 U.S.C. 2803.

Department Recruitment and Vacancies

The Santa Clara Tribal Police Department is initiating a recruitment campaign for Certified Police Officers. The Department is currently budgeted to have nine (9) Certified Police Officer Positions including the Chief, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and six (6) Patrol Officers. The Department currently has four (4) vacant Certified Police Officer positions. Authorization has been obtained to offer any interested applicants a significant Hiring Bonus through December 31, 2023. If anyone is interested in joining our team or needs further information they can contact the Santa Clara Tribal Police Department at (505) 692-6290 or the Human Resource Office at (505) 753-7326. They can also email Chief Mitchell Maestas at mmaestas@santaclarapueblo.org

Conservation Department

Santa Clara Pueblo Conservation Officers will increase patrols in all hunting areas as Bow Hunting Season began on September 1-30th, 2023 and Rifle Season begins on October 1st to November 30th, 2023. We ask all hunters to abide by all Hunting Rules and Regulations. A copy of the most current Hunting Rules and Regulations can be obtained at the Administration Office or the Police Department. Further information can be obtained from Santa Clara Tribal Sheriff Donald Suazo at (505) 927-0085.

Reporting of Crime

If anyone has information about criminal activity or a crime that has occurred within the jurisdiction of the Santa Clara Pueblo, you are encouraged to report such information to the Police Department. Your information can lead to criminal charges and/or arrest of suspect(s) and keep our community safe. You can call (505) 692-6290 and provide any information anonymously, if you wish. Remember the Police Department relies on your eyes and ears to work as a team for the betterment of all.