Summary
In the face of resource deficiencies, complicated jurisdictional issues, and what are
often vast geographic coverage areas, this sentiment is shared by virtually all tribal
law enforcement agencies. Tribal law enforcement prioritizes being there for the people
they serve through standard policing functions, community events, and day to day
interpersonal interactions. Community policing is not a program or activity in Indian
country; rather, it is a guiding philosophy and way of life.
In 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
(COPS Office) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) partnered to
explore what community policing looks like in Indian country and what specific strategies
work well for tribal law enforcement.
Being small and self-governed, tribes are well-positioned to engage tribal members in
helping to identify and solve safety problems in the community. Tribal law enforcement
has the ability to be nimble and, with the support of the tribal government, test new and
innovative justice ideas. This publication explores strategies in the following areas of
community policing:
Partnerships within tribes and with external stakeholders
Crime-focused partnerships
Training partnerships
Information-sharing partnerships
Court partnerships
Incorporation of tribal culture and tradition
Youth outreach programs
When working with tribal law enforcement, it is important to understand both tribal
history and the realities and challenges tribes face today. This publication provides an
overview of typical tribal government structure; the authorization and design of law
enforcement agencies in Indian country; and how historical trauma, high crime rates,
and lack of economic opportunity affect tribal law enforcement.
Through the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, the Violence Against Women
Reauthorization Act of 2013, and other legislation, state and federal government agencies
are working to improve safety in Indian country. This publication seeks to inform tribal
law enforcement leaders and their state, local, and federal partners about effective
community policing strategies that address public safety issues in ways that reflect the
traditional and current values of the tribes they serve.