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Tribe's Police Agency Without Permanent Leader

The Navajo Nation Police Department has gone five years having without a permanent leader.

The police chief's position has been vacant since April 2008 when Police Chief Jim Benally was put on paid leave.

Officials haven't given an explanation as to why Benally was placed on leave.

The Farmington Daily Times reports that the police department has had district commanders take turns filling in as police chief.

The tribe has no intention of filling the police chief position soon.

Part of the reason that the police chief's position hasn't been filled is because of its $63,500 annual salary.

Erny Zah, spokesman for the Navajo Nation president and vice president, says the salary is about half of what it should be.