Public Education Outreach

When stopped by a police officer, use common sense. It is not the best time to back talk, argue or have an attitude. Do not escalate the situation. Police officers have the duty and responsibility to protect and provide safety for everyone. Therefore, it is important that police treat the public with K’é, courtesy and respect to prevent situations from getting out of control.

It is important to think carefully about your words, your body movement and your emotions when you are talking to a police officer. Whatever you say can be used against you in a court of law. Back-talking, arguing and even body language can give a police officer reason to make an arrest. Always keep your hands where police can see them. Never touch a police officer or run from a police officer.

If you think your rights are being violated do not try to take matters into your own hands. There is a time to facilitate your grievance formally. If you believe you were mistreated by a police officer, you have the right to speak to an attorney. You have the right to contest your arrest or detainment in a court of law and you also have the right to file a complaint with the police department’s internal affairs. Your personal safety and the safety of others nearby are important.

A police officer has the right and responsibility to stop you if you appear to be involved in suspicious activity, if they see you break the law or if they have a warrant. If you are stopped in your vehicle, a police officer has the right to ask for your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. It is your responsibility to show them. If a police offer asks other questions, you have the right not to answer, but this could cause the police officer to suspect you are involved in some illegal activity. If arrested, you have the responsibility to cooperate, not resist.

If a police officer asks to search your car, you the right to say no unless they a have a search warrant. You have the right to see the search warrant. However, there are no exceptions—if a police officer has probable cause, he or she does not need a warrant to search your car. A police officer does not need a warrant to search your car if you are arrested. The police officer has the right and responsibility to conduct a complete inventory of your car if it is impounded.

If you are given a traffic ticket, it is your responsibility to sign the ticket. Otherwise, you could be arrested. You always have the right to appear in court and contest the charges. If you are suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol and you refuse to submit to standard tests, driving privileges may be suspended, and if convicted, subject to harsher penalties. If you are arrested, a police officer must advise you have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you for free. Within a reasonable time of your arrest, you have the right to call an attorney, a bondsman or a relative. Any communication between you and your attorney is confidential and the police cannot listen.

Source: The American Civil Liberties Union

Self-determination is a fundamental principle that guides the Navajo Nation in its outreach, education, and advocacy. It is the right of every Navajo citizen to lead their own lives, make their own choices, and pursue their own goals. This principle is enshrined in the Navajo Nation Constitution and is reflected in the Navajo Nation's laws and policies.

Related NNHRC Press Releases and News Articles:

• NNHRC to Hold Next Public Hearing About Predatory Sales in Crownpoint on Jan. 4th
• NNHRC to Hold Public Hearing About Predatory Sales in Kayenta on Dec. 28th
• NNHRC to Hold Addt'l Public Hearings About Predatory Sales in Response to Public Interest
• NNHRC Seeks Navajo Peoples' Testimonies about Predatory Sales Tactics by Border Town Auto Dealers
• "HRC Targets Predatory Car Sales” by Noel Lyn Smith for the Navajo Times
• NNHRC Regular Meeting set for Dilkon Chapter
• NNHRC request Navajo peoples' testimonies about predatory sales tactics by area auto dealers
• NNHRC address area concerns with Farmington Community Relations Commission
• "A Vicious Cycle in the Used-Car Business” by Ken Bensinger for the Los Angeles Times

Related links:

• National Consumer Law Center | Car Sales and Financing
• NCLC: Working Cars for Working Families
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Filing a complaint

If you would like the United States to focus on the area about predatory sales tactics in purchasing vehicles, you may also file a complaint with the United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, follow this link.

We also highly recommend that you also help build the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau database by telling your story. “Your story will help inform how we work to protect consumers and create a fairer marketplace,” according to the CFPB web site. https://help.consumerfinance.gov/app/tellyourstory

Beyond Navajo Nation: Protect Your Civil Rights Everywhere

Learn how to file a discrimination complaint outside the Navajo Nation. Download this guide to understand your federal and state options for asserting your rights.

Assert My Rights

Our Right to Self-Determination

Learn how the Navajo Nation’s inherent right to govern, decide, and shape its own future continues to guide human rights and sovereignty today.

“Indigenous Peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development,” according to Article 3 of the U.N. Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People.

“Indigenous peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, as well as says and means for financing their autonomous functions,” according to Article 4 of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.”

“The most protected and sacred right of all peoples is the right to govern their affairs, make decisions without being coerced by other governments. This is an inherent right of peoples and for the Navajo people it has existed since time immemorial. However, in Navajo law it states that the Navajo Nation must still obtain it, the “ultimate goal of the Navajo Nation is self-determination.”10 N.N.C. § 124 (A)(2002). The Commission recommends that the Navajo government, instead, recognize that Navajo people’s right to self-determination has been absolute since time immemorial and is not an aspiration as stated in Title 10 of the Navajo Nation Code. Moreover, Navajo written law must recognize the Navajo people’s right to self-determination comes from the Holy People.”

Source: NNHRC Human Rights Issues for the Navajo Nation

"People who are sober or inebriate have rights. Do not spit on someone who is inebriated, or bully them or threaten them, or beat them, or kick them, or shove them, or grab them, or brand them, or kidnap them or HARM THEM IN ANY WAY. Doing so violates their human right and civil right. They may file civil and/or civil charges against you."

The Commission:

• Recognizes that alcoholism is a disease
• Strongly recommends that you contact the appropriate authority when dealing with an inebriated person.
• Strongly recommends that you wait until the appropriate authority arrives when dealing with an inebriated person.

As an owner of a restaurant or store, you may be held liable. It is best to call the appropriate authority and wait until the authorized official arrives. Each person has the responsibility to show a level of care to their fellow citizens.

Call the local police & remain a witness.