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Next day, the Chief took me to Rahama PD in the Navaho Nation
reservation where I met Aileen Evans an investigator; she is also a
member of the IPA. I was shown round their local facility and court
house where I met the prosecutor. All were very welcoming and had
made Navaho Tachos for lunch, which were filling and very tasty.
Interestingly the population is not allowed to possess alcohol and can
be arrested if it is just on their breath. Our cells would be full every day
if this was brought in here, though it does not stop them getting drunk.
The Chief took me to the El Morro national park which is a watering hole
where travellers stop and inscribe their names and what they were doing
into the rock face. Some of the inscriptions looked embossed into the walls
but I was told that that had been all hand written.
I watched some training with Grants PD only police dog, the Malamar dog
does it all, tracking, biting and sniffing, which was all very impressive. Later
I had a ride along with a patrol corporal and we went searching for a wanted
male. Unlike back at home this male had to go to the Federal prison holding
to be booked in, but first the officer had to complete the paperwork at the
station, so the male was placed in a cell until the paperwork is completed
before then being transported by the officer to the prison. I know we have to
queue in custody suites but this seems madness taking a prisoner from one
place to another.
I would like to thank Allan Lundi who is the New Mexico IPA co-coordinator
for organizing this trip there was nothing left to chance and it went better
than expected. Also Chief Marty Vigil and Mary for looking after me during
my stay. They put me up in their own home, cooked my meals and provided
entertainment. The Chief made everything that I wanted to see happen and
made me feel like part of his family.
NATION
DO IT
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POLICE WORLD
Vol 63 No. 1, 2018
Professional Development