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Tribal Police Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary Responsible for the enforcement of tribal, state and federal laws, including ... Assists the Police Chief, Tribal Courts, Probation Officer, BIA Social Service Agent, social worker ...

POLICE OFFICER

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$37.54 - $42.24/hr

Position Summary Responsible for the enforcement of tribal, state and federal laws, including ... Assists the Police Chief, Tribal Courts, Probation Officer, BIA Social Service Agent, social worker ...

DISPATCHER II

Bernalillo, NM

$23.31 - $29.14/hr

Ability to maintain confidentiality of information as directed by tribal and police policies. * Ability to learn equipment used in performing duties. * Ability to establish and maintain effective ...

DISPATCHER II

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$23.31 - $29.14/hr

Ability to maintain confidentiality of information as directed by tribal and police policies. * Ability to learn equipment used in performing duties. * Ability to establish and maintain effective ...

Tribal Police information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$11

$21

$34

How much do tribal police jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for tribal police in Rio Rancho, NM is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tribal police officer?

A tribal police officer is a law enforcement officer responsible for maintaining safety and enforcing laws on Native American reservations and tribal lands. They often have authority similar to local police and may work with federal agencies, requiring knowledge of tribal laws and sometimes specialized training or certifications.

Is there still tribal police in America?

Yes, tribal police departments continue to operate on Native American reservations across the United States. They are responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining order, and working within tribal jurisdictions, often collaborating with federal agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI.

How does a Tribal Police officer typically collaborate with other law enforcement agencies?

Tribal Police officers often work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to address crimes that cross jurisdictional boundaries or require additional resources. Collaboration may involve joint task forces, shared intelligence, and coordinated responses to emergencies. These partnerships are essential for effectively serving tribal communities, ensuring public safety, and respecting the unique sovereignty of tribal lands. Officers may also participate in interagency training and community outreach initiatives to strengthen these relationships.

What are Tribal Police?

Tribal Police are law enforcement officers who serve Native American reservations and tribal lands. They are responsible for enforcing tribal, state, and sometimes federal laws within their jurisdiction. Tribal Police work to ensure the safety and security of tribal communities by responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and maintaining public order. Their authority and responsibilities may vary depending on tribal, state, and federal agreements. They play a crucial role in bridging cultural understanding and upholding the sovereignty of tribal nations.

Do tribal police carry guns?

Yes, tribal police officers are typically authorized to carry firearms as part of their law enforcement duties. They often undergo firearm training and must adhere to specific regulations regarding the use of weapons while on duty.

How much do Navajo police get paid?

Navajo police officers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience and rank. The salary may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and officers often need to complete law enforcement training and certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tribal Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tribal Police Officer, you need law enforcement training, knowledge of federal and tribal laws, and typically completion of police academy certification. Familiarity with law enforcement tools such as radios, firearms, and records management systems is standard, and some roles require additional certifications like CPR or specialized tribal policing courses. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and conflict resolution abilities help build trust within the community and foster positive relationships. These skills are crucial for maintaining public safety, respecting tribal sovereignty, and effectively serving diverse communities.

What is the difference between Tribal Police vs County Police?

AspectTribal PoliceCounty Police
Required credentialsPeace officer certification, tribal-specific trainingState peace officer certification, police academy training
Work environmentNative American reservations, tribal landsCounty jurisdictions, urban and rural areas
Employer and industry usageTribal governments, Native communitiesCounty governments, local law enforcement agencies

Tribal Police and County Police both serve to enforce laws, but Tribal Police operate primarily within Native American reservations with tribal-specific certifications, while County Police serve broader county areas with state-certified training. Understanding these differences helps clarify their roles and jurisdictions.

What are popular job titles related to Tribal Police jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Tribal Police jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tribal Police jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Tribal Police jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Tribal Police jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Tribal Police job openings:
Infographic showing various Tribal Police job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,197 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

$37.54 - $42.24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for the enforcement of tribal, state and federal laws, including criminal and traffic ordinances and codes, designed to protect the lives and property of Pueblo residents and visitors.

Our philosophy is built on the principles of integrity, fairness, collaboration, communication, and recognition for performance excellence. Meeting all performance standards leads to attracting and retaining a qualified workforce, provides opportunities for qualified team members, and contributes towards the ongoing success at Pueblo of Sandia today and in the future.  

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Patrols by vehicle or on foot, Indian country or within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo of Sandia to provide public safety and enforce tribal, state and federal laws.
  2. Responds to radio dispatches, phone-in calls, informant tips, walk-in traffic and initiates appropriate response(s).
  3. Responds to and investigates crimes reported by private parties, Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement Dispatcher, Chief of Police or other law enforcement agencies.
  4. Apprehends law violators and makes arrests based on probable cause.
  5. Serves court documents to include but not limited to, court summons, court subpoenas, arrest warrants, search warrants and civil papers.
  6. Attends court hearings, testifies, presents evidence and seeks prosecution through the courts. May also serve as an expert witness.
  7. Responds to and investigates traffic accidents.
  8. Directs traffic and performs patrol activities as needed.
  9. Assists the Police Chief, Tribal Courts, Probation Officer, BIA Social Service Agent, social worker or any law enforcement agent with child and elderly abuse cases.
  10. Keeps detailed activity and prepares case reports.
  11. Answers questions and complaints from the public.
  12. Provides customer service by responding to people’s needs and emergencies.
  13. Maintains confidentiality of law enforcement sensitive information and confidential sources. 
  14. Prepares/gives classes and speeches to promote safety/awareness.
  15. Checks and maintains vehicles and personal protective equipment.
  16. Attends advanced training seminars and specialized training classes.
  17. Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility for all team members and are expected to report to work based upon the assigned scheduled each day in accordance with the Attendance Policy for Pueblo Sandia.

 Additional Responsibilities

  1. Supports a single function and holds a position that does not supervise people but provides guidance to lower-level Team Members as needed. 
  2. Functions as an advisor to management due to the complexity of the level of work performed. 
  3. May hold current licenses, certifications, specialized education, and possess stipulated technical expertise as required.
  4. Demonstrates advanced knowledge in all aspects of the specialized function. 
  5. Performs work as a highly skilled individual contributor and considered a subject matter expert within the peer set, particularly with problem-solving.
  6. Critical thinking and the ability to analyze issues, identify solutions, and implement them effectively.

 Key Performance Indicators

This position has Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) identified as a measurement of success. KPI’s will be shared with all team members who work in this job title and feedback will be provided regarding the successful completion of the KPI’s as part of the performance review process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

  1. Ability to read/write and prepare detailed daily activity and case reports.
  2. Ability to deal effectively with the public.
  3. Ability to prepare and give oral presentations to the public.
  4. Ability to investigate accidents and crime scenes and make arrests.
  5. Ability to prepare and prosecute cases and give courtroom testimony.
  6. Ability to plan tasks and manage time efficiently.
  7. Ability to receive telephone calls and respond to emergencies.
  8. Knowledge of tribal, state and federal laws/enforcement procedures.
  9. Knowledge of traffic ordinances and codes.
  10. Knowledge of maintenance requirements for departmental and personal protective equipment.
  11. Knowledge of tribal policies, safety practices, regulations and standard operating procedures
  12. Ability to operate radio communication equipment, digital recording equipment, computers, printers and electronic equipment.
  13. Ability to work well with others.

   Education and Experience

Required:

  1. High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
  2. Must be at least 21 years or age.

Preferred:

  1. Prior law enforcement experience.

Note:  Relevant work experience or education may be substituted to satisfy education and/or work experience. 

License/Certifications/Registrations

  1. NM Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA) Certification, U.S. Indian Police Academy Certification or another law enforcement certification with the ability of obtaining a New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification by Waiver within the first year of hire.
  2. Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted New Mexico Driver’s License. 
  3. Must successfully pass all NMLEA requirements if attending the NMLEA Certification by Waiver.
  4. No felony convictions; no arrest convictions within the past three (3) years.
  5. Must maintain NMLEA law enforcement certification.
  6. Ability to obtain a new license after one year.
  7. Must be able to successfully pass a stringent background investigation and character investigation in compliance with PL 101.630.
  8. Will require a pre-employment and random drug screening

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The following selected physical activities are required to perform the essential functions of this position

Physical Requirement

Description

Balancing

Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.

Climbing

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.

Crawling

Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.

Crouching

Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

Feeling

Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.

Finger Dexterity

Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Grasping

Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

Hearing

Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.

Kneeling

Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.

Lifting

Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.( Lift up to 85% of body weight)

Pulling

Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.

Pushing

Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.

Reaching

Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Seeing

The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.

Walking

Job requirements include, in the performance of duties, walking throughout the work area, on various work surfaces throughout internal or external locations.

Seeing

The ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.

Sitting

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Standing

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Stooping

Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.

Talking

Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

List Working Conditions Required:

Work is performed indoors and outdoors. Outside work is subject to temperature extremes and inclement weather conditions.

  1. Work hours subject to rotating days, shiftwork and holidays with overtime work required.
  2. Subject to hazards which may cause personal bodily harm; possible exposure to toxins and drugs, arduous physical exertion under rigorous and unusual conditions, fumes, explosives, automotive fluids, smoke; diseases; cuts bruises, burns, common cold, influenza, dust, odors and elevated noise levels.
  3. Tasks may be performed on uneven, inclined, hard and soft carpeted floors, cement structures and surfaces.
  4. Duties may involve walking, running, jumping, climbing over barriers, discharging a firearm, standing for long periods of time, sitting and crouching.