Page 17 - Tribal Court Law and Justice Booklet

Chief Chris E. Sutter

Years Served: 2018–Present

Chief Chris Sutter was administered the oath of office as the Tulalip Tribes Chief
of Police by the Tulalip Tribes Chairwoman Marie Zackuse on September 24,
2018. Chief Sutter’s career in law enforcement began in 1986. He came to Tulalip
Tribes after serving as the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Vancouver,
Washington where he served for over 26 years. Chief Sutter brings extensive
experience in leading complex law enforcement operations and programs including
patrol, investigations, special operations, administration, professional standards,
finance and logistics, and leading multiple regional task forces.
Chief Sutter has a strong personal commitment to integrating community policing
and community outreach to proactively reduce crime and solve problems. The
Tulalip Tribes Police Department places an emphasis on building trust and
providing open lines of communication with the community while providing
exceptional service to meet the needs and priorities of the Tulalip Tribes and its
members. Chief Sutter is committed to upholding and protecting the Tulalip Tribes
sovereignty and treaty rights.
Chief Sutter holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California
State University - Bakersfield. He is also a graduate of the Public Safety
Leadership Development Program Command College from the Mark O. Hatfield
School of Government at Portland State University, a graduate from the Northwest
Law Enforcement Executive Command College, a graduate of the School of
Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, a
graduate from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and a
graduate from the Senior Management Institute for Police at the Police Executive
Research Forum.
Chris and his wife, Sue Tso Sutter (Dine-Navajo), are the parents of four children.
The Sutter family enjoys spending time together, gardening, outdoor activities,
fishing, visiting family and friends on the Navajo Reservation, and attending tribal
gatherings and events.
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