FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT                                                              

Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 12, 2025 

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Department of Justice and Regulatory is proud to announce the appointment of Daryl T. Noon as Chief of Police for the Southern Ute Police Department. Chief Noon brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and a proven record of leadership to his new role. As a member of the Navajo Nation, his clans are Honágháahnii, born for Bilagáana.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Noon has demonstrated expertise in managing complex operations, developing personnel, and implementing strategic initiatives. He previously served as Police Commander with the Navajo Nation Police Department (NNPD), where he spent 7 years in executive leadership. Most recently, he held the position of Chief of Police for NNPD, overseeing a force of more than 300 employees and ensuring public safety across a vast and diverse jurisdiction.

Chief Noon expressed, “I am thrilled and honored to serve the people of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.  In my 31 years of law enforcement experience, I have found my time in serving Native American people to be the most rewarding.  I am looking forward to bringing the police services the community deserves.”

During his tenure, Chief Noon spearheaded several key initiatives, including:

• Adding a Patrol Detective role focused on supporting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) initiative.
• Launching the department’s first K-9 team, trained for cadaver detection to strengthen investigations.
• Introducing a Civilian Investigator position to handle routine calls, freeing officers for urgent cases.
• Forming a resource team that used federal funds to upgrade vehicles and equipment, and implemented hiring bonuses, education incentives, and retention programs to improve staffing.

“Chief Noon’s lifetime commitment to the health, safety, and protection of Indian Country will bring tremendous value to our community. I am excited to welcome him to the Tribe because he is deeply qualified, demonstrates strong and steady leadership, and is prepared to elevate policing on the Reservation to the next level,” stated Lindsay J. Box, Executive Officer.

As Chief of Police, Noon will oversee all operations of the Southern Ute Police Department (SUPD), ensuring the protection of Tribal Members, residents, and visitors within the Reservation. Noon’s leadership will focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing public safety initiatives, and fostering trust between law enforcement and the community.

During this transition, the Southern Ute Police Department remains fully committed to providing professional, culturally sensitive law enforcement services that uphold the Tribe’s traditions and protect its sovereignty. The department will continue to prioritize community engagement, safety, and responsive service.

Director Leonard Redhorse III shared, “Chief Noon has a proven history of building collaboration and trust where community and program voices guide meaningful change. He has embraced transparency and shared responsibilities in developing proven police change.”

For additional information, please contact Justice and Regulatory Department Director Redhorse at 970-553-0995.

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