Cowlitz Indian Tribal
Public Safety Department
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL 911

Our Mission
To follow and carry out the guidance of the Cowlitz Indian tribe’s: constitution; laws; ordinance; civil and criminal statutes; and the rules and regulations, in a spirit of support for the Cowlitz tribal members. We strive in fostering justice, freedom and equality for the Cowlitz tribal members.
The department was created to continue in backing social economic justices for the Cowlitz people; to protect and secure the aboriginals lands and natural resources, and therein preserve the Cowlitz culture.
The Director of the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department (CITPSD) is the highest-ranking officer in the Police Department under the authority of the Cowlitz Tribal Code. The Director is appointed by and accountable to the Cowlitz Tribal Council. This position is responsible for the conduct of operations, the efficient and effective utilization of the department’s financial and human resources, and planning.
Don Walkinshaw Sr. is the Director of the CITPSD. He has a strong personal commitment to integrating community policing and community outreach to reduce crime and solve problems proactively.
The Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department emphasizes building trust and providing open lines of communication with the community while providing exceptional service to meet the needs and priorities of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and its members. Director Walkinshaw is committed to upholding and protecting the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and its sovereignty.
Don Walkinshaw, Sr. served over 25 years with the Tacoma Police Department. Don is an enrolled in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and has worked for several years in a multi-agency narcotics task force making some of the biggest cases in the Western District of Washington.