Shirley F. Sanisya
Farmington,New Mexico
Summary
Law enforcement leader with district command, patrol oversight, and staff training experience across commissioned and civilian teams. Manages policies, reports, equipment security, and compliance with tribal, state, and federal requirements while supporting investigations, performance reviews, and corrective action. Also builds community partnerships and promotes community-oriented policing.
Overview
1
1
Certification
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Police Commander
Navajo Police Department
Shiprock, New Mexico
08.2026 - Current
- Coordinated district and academy operations, fiscal activities, and personnel functions to ensure effective law enforcement and community service.
- Managed patrol operations in various districts of the Navajo Police Department to ensure effective law enforcement coverage.
- Conducted investigations and reviews of police actions; enforced laws and regulations, supervised personnel, provided staff training, managed promotions and certifications, addressed performance issues, applied disciplinary measures, and ensured security of equipment and facilities.
- Directed the review and management of investigations, incident reports, and field documentation to uphold departmental standards.
- Implemented and enforced departmental policies, procedures, and laws of the Navajo Nation to ensure compliance and accountability.
- Developed, aligned, and implemented goals, priorities, policies, and procedures while recommending process improvements and maintaining compliance with department rules and regulations.
- Set efficiency, performance, and conduct standards for commissioned and civilian personnel; built budget proposals, supported department budget review, prepared grant proposals and resolutions, and completed grant, contract, and funding documents.
Police Lieutenant
Navajo Police Department-Window Rock and Shiprock Police District
01.2021 - 08.2026
- Supervised patrol operations for Window Rock and Shiprock police districts
- Directed field sergeants and officers during daily Navajo Police Department assignments
- Directed police district activities, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness. Prepared detailed reports on police district operations for review. Identified and assessed training needs for police district personnel to improve skills. Collaborated with employees to identify and resolve operational deficiencies. Ensured maintenance and security of police equipment and facilities for optimal use. Facilitated collaboration with local entities to identify and resolve community concerns. Supervised communication functions, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination. Promoted community-oriented policing by engaging with local residents and organizations. Ensured adherence to tribal, state, and federal regulations within police operations. Supervised and evaluated subordinate performance while providing training and guidance.
- Reviewed incident reports, arrest records, and case files for accuracy
Police Sergeant
Navajo Police Department-Shiprock Police District
05.2002 - 01.2021
- Supervised five commissioned officers and two public safety telecommunications operators, fostering team accountability and performance. Plans, schedules and assigns enforcement activities to subordinates. Evaluates work of subordinates and provides training, guidance and motivation. Performs work of a police officer enforcing traffic, liquor, narcotics and other criminal laws. Completes and maintains various reports and other documentation such as mileage and monthly reports. Addressed citizen complaints and inquiries, investigating subordinate actions to ensure transparency and community trust. Administered disciplinary actions for policy violations, reinforcing departmental standards and accountability.
- Oversaw daily operations of Shiprock District patrol officers in Navajo Police.
- Coordinated immediate responses to emergency calls and incidents, ensuring public safety.
- Coordinated investigations involving accidents, disturbances, and criminal complaints.
Senior Police Officer
Navajo Police Department-Shiprock Police District
05.1996 - 05.2002
- Patrolled assigned area to prevent crime and enforce criminal, traffic, narcotics, and liquor laws. Responded to and investigated calls for police service involving crimes such as assaults, robberies, homicides, and liquor violations. Issued traffic summons, made arrests, completed varied reports and other related documents. Responded to general public service calls for civil and societal problems. Executed court orders and arrest warrants, provided testimony in criminal and civil court. Maintained peace and public order at community events and gatherings, ensuring safety for all attendees.
- Implemented enforcement of tribal, state, and local laws while conducting field operations.
- Conducted patrols in Shiprock District communities to enhance public safety.
- Answered emergency calls throughout Navajo Nation to provide timely assistance.
Police Dispatcher
Navajo Police Department-Shiprock Police District
12.1984 - 05.1996
- Operated radio communications and equipment to locate and dispatch police units for traffic or criminal calls, ensuring timely response to emergencies. Answer emergency and non-emergency telephone calls. Answers and evaluates incoming calls for police service, emergency medical services, fire and rescue to determine urgency and need for police response. Gathered and provided detailed information to police officers on complaints, including location, suspect/vehicle descriptions, and reported injuries, facilitating effective response. Prepared reports and entered calls for service into reporting systems, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with procedural requirements. Access data for the National Crime Information Center and Utah Criminal Justice Information System.
- Handled emergency and non-emergency calls to ensure timely assistance for the Navajo Police Department-Shiprock Police District.
- Managed the deployment of patrol units using radio and CAD systems to ensure effective coverage.
- Relayed caller details and location information to responding officers.
Education
Associate Degree - Human Services, Criminal Justice
San Juan College
Farmington, New Mexico05-2013
High School Diploma -
Shiprock High School
Shiprock, New Mexico05-1983
Skills
- Emergency response
- Skill in maintaining calm during emergencies
- Investigative oversight
- Operational management
- Personnel management
- Workforce management
- Financial oversight
- Policy compliance
- Situational analysis
- Verbal and written communication
- Skill in the use of assigned weapons
- Relationship building
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 1965-06-18
Certification
- Bureau of Indian Affairs Special Law Enforcement Commission
Timeline
Police Commander
Navajo Police Department
08.2026 - Current
Police Lieutenant
Navajo Police Department-Window Rock and Shiprock Police District
01.2021 - 08.2026
Police Sergeant
Navajo Police Department-Shiprock Police District
05.2002 - 01.2021
Senior Police Officer
Navajo Police Department-Shiprock Police District
05.1996 - 05.2002
Police Dispatcher
Navajo Police Department-Shiprock Police District
12.1984 - 05.1996
Associate Degree - Human Services, Criminal Justice
San Juan College
High School Diploma -
Shiprock High School