Report To The President

Activities and Accomplishments of the 

First Year of Operation Lady Justice

November 25, 2020 
Department of Justice 

950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW 

Washington, DC 20530 

www.justice.gov 

Department of the Interior 

1849 C Street NW 

Washington, DC 20240 

www.doi.gov 

Department of Health and Human Services

 200 Independence Ave SW 

Washington, DC 20201 

www.hhs.gov 
Report To The President 

Activities and Accomplishments of the 

First Year of Operation Lady Justice 

November 25, 2020 

Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • iii 

Contents 

Introduction by Co-Chairs on behalf of the Task Force...........................................................................................v 

Formation of the Presidential Task Force on American Indians and 

Alaska Natives (Operation Lady Justice) ............................................................................................................. vii 

Operation Lady Justice Members and Agency Participation

Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians 

................................................................................. ix 

and Alaska Natives: Operation Lady Justice ......................................................................................................... xi 

Operation Lady Justice Tasks and Progress.............................................................................................................1 

1) Administration .................................................................................................................................................2 

2) Listen and Meet [Section 4(a)(i)] ....................................................................................................................4 

Listening Sessions............................................................................................................................................4 

Tribal Consultations.........................................................................................................................................7 

Other Engagements With the Field..................................................................................................................8 

3) Model Protocols and Procedures [Section 4(a)(ii)(A), (B), (C)]...................................................................11 

4) Cold Case Team [Section 4(a)(iii)]................................................................................................................13 

5) Best Practices [Section 4(a)(iv)(A), (B)].......................................................................................................15 

6) Education and Outreach Campaigns [Section 4(a)(iv)(C), (D)]....................................................................17 

7) Reports [Section 5(a),(b)]..............................................................................................................................19 

Recommendations for Future Actions of the Task Force...............................................................................19 

Appendices 

A: Executive Order 13898 .................................................................................................................................21 

B: Task Force Members and All Federal Personnel Assisting the Task Force.................................................. 24 

C: Consultation Framing Paper..........................................................................................................................31 

D: Discussion Summaries..................................................................................................................................38 

E: Operation Lady Justice Fact Sheets Listing ..................................................................................................64 

Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • v 

Introduction by Co-Chairs 

on behalf of the Task Force 

Dear President Trump: 

On November 26, 2019, in an Oval Office ceremony surrounded by representatives of the Native 

American community, you signed Executive Order 13898, which established a task force on missing 

and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives—designated Operation Lady Justice. This 

is the first Presidential Task Force established to address this tragic issue. The Executive Order requires 

Operation Lady Justice to submit a status report in November 2020 and a final report in 2021. On behalf 

of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of the Interior, we are pleased to provide this 

report summarizing the activities and accomplishments of Operation Lady Justice. The report describes a 

productive first year of task force operations, during which we heard from Tribal leaders, public safety officials, 

community advocates, and concerned citizens about the extraordinary public safety challenges facing Native 

Americans across the country—in particular the disappearance of Tribal members and the incidence of fatal 

violence suffered by Native men, women, and children. We made significant progress towards achieving the 

deliverables called for in the Executive Order. 

The task force was able to hold five in-person listening sessions prior to COVID-19 mitigation measures. 

Since March, we have conducted 12 virtual regional Tribal consultations, one for each Bureau of Indian Affairs 

region, and more than 15 meetings and listening sessions with Tribes, individuals, and stakeholder groups from 

law enforcement organizations to domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions. We established and convened 

10 working groups to address the Executive Order’s mandates for developing protocols, solving cold cases, 

and expanding outreach and awareness. The Task Force has developed draft standard operating procedures and 

protocols and opened six offices across the country to operationalize solving cold cases involving missing and 

murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. 

The feedback received from Tribal experts and the experiences shared by survivors and families illustrate the 

troubling public safety challenges confronting Indian Country and Alaska Native communities. American 

Indians and Alaska Natives are vulnerable to the predations of criminals. Generations of injustice and adversity 

have left a legacy of trauma in Tribal communities that continues. Despite these challenges, the spirit and 

resolve throughout Native communities remains strong and determined to overcome nearly insurmountable 

obstacles. Communities want to have a voice in this process and be part of the larger solution. We dedicate the 

remainder of our activities to honoring this spirit. 

We are proud to be part of your Administration’s efforts to address the violence and suffering experienced by 

too many of America’s Native peoples. You have drawn attention to these too-long overlooked issues, issuing 

the first-ever Presidential Proclamations recognizing Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska 
vi • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

 

 

 

Natives Awareness Day in 2019 and 2020, and calling the twin tragedies of missing and murdered American 

Indians and Alaska Natives “sobering” and “heartbreaking.” By signing two landmark pieces of legislation— 

Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act—you have taken historic action to build on your Executive Order by 

providing further support for American Indian and Alaska Native communities in their efforts to protect their 

citizens. By building on the momentum generated during our first year of activities, Operation Lady Justice will 

follow your lead and work to deliver the resources and recommendations demanded by the challenges facing 

Native peoples today. 

We also want to thank those at the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior, the Department of 

Health and Human Services, and other Federal agencies, as well as White House personnel, who have spent 

countless hours on the projects associated with this task force. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated. 

Violence has become a far-too-prevalent feature of life in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, 

but we remain determined to work with American Indian and Alaska Native nations to make sure it is not 

permanent. Through the work of Operation Lady Justice and thanks to your leadership, Native Americans 

are forgotten no more. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your Administration’s pursuit of justice for 

all Native Americans. Operation Lady Justice looks forward to continuing to advance public safety in Indian 

communities. 

Respectfully, 

William P. Barr David L. Bernhardt 

Attorney General Secretary 

U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Department of the Interior 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • vii 

Formation of the Presidential Task Force 

on American Indians and Alaska Natives 

(Operation Lady Justice) 

On May 3, 2019, President Trump became the first President to formally recognize Missing and Murdered 

American Indians and Alaska Natives Day. Following this recognition, on November 26, 2019, 

President Trump, joined by Native American leaders from across the country, signed Executive Order 

13898 (EO), https://operationladyjustice.usdoj.gov/about, forming the Presidential Task Force on Missing 

and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives (Task Force).1 The Task Force, also known as Operation 

Lady Justice (OLJ), aims to enhance the operation of the criminal justice system and address the concerns 

of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities regarding missing and murdered people— 

particularly missing and murdered women and girls. The Task Force is required to conclude its work by 

November 26, 2021, unless otherwise ordered by the President. 

President Trump signing Executive Order 13898 establishing Operation Lady 

Justice, November 26, 2019 

The EO set forth a range of tasks to be completed over the two-year life of the Task Force, with required reports 

at the end of each year. This first report contains the “activities and accomplishments of the Task Force, the 

status of the projects the Task Force has not yet completed, and specific recommendations for future action of 

the Task Force.”2 

1

See Appendix A for Executive Order 13898. 

2

EO at Section 5. 

Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • ix 

Operation Lady Justice Members and 

Agency Participation 

The EO designated representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of the Interior 

(DOI), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the Federal agencies that make 

up the Task Force. The EO established the group as a working task force, which under Federal law is 

to be comprised of Federal members with specific tasks to be completed under a strict time line. OLJ was not 

established as a Federal Advisory Committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), in which 

individuals outside of the Federal government provide advice to one or more Federal agencies. 

The Attorney General and the Secretary of the Interior are the co-chairs of the Task Force. Task Force 

members are: 

X Katharine (Katie) Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), 

Department of Justice, designee for the Attorney General and co-chair designee; 

X Tara Sweeney, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs (AS-IA), Department of the Interior, designee for the 

Secretary of the Interior and co-chair designee; 

X Terry Wade, Executive Assistant Director, Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch, Federal Bureau 

of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice, designee for the Director of the FBI; 

X Laura Rogers, Principal Deputy Director, Office on Violence Against Women, (OVW), Department of 

Justice; 

X Charles (Charlie) Addington, Deputy Bureau Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

(BIA-OJS), Department of the Interior; 

X Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma and Chair of the Native American Issues 

Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, Department of Justice; and 

X Jean (Jeannie) Hovland, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs and Commissioner, 

Administration for Native Americans (ANA), Department of Health and Human Services. 
x • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

OLJ Task Force Members, from left: Calvin Shivers (attending for Terry Wade), Trent Shores, Katie Sullivan, Tara Sweeney, Laura 

Rogers, Jeannie Hovland, Charlie Addington 

The Task Force is assisted by Executive Director Marcia Good of DOJ’s Office of Tribal Justice, who 

coordinates day-to-day functions. The EO tasks have been assigned to working groups, which are meeting to 

accomplish those tasks. 

As of the writing of this report, more than 150 representatives from various Federal agencies are working on the 

tasks contained within the EO. A complete listing of all Federal staff who assisted in the first year of the Task 

Force’s efforts is included in Appendix B. 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • xi 

Presidential Task Force on 

Missing and Murdered 

American Indians and Alaska Natives 

Operation Lady Justice 

Laura Rogers 

Acting Director 

DOJ OVW 

Frances Cook 

DOJ OVW 

William Barr 

Attorney General 

Co-Chair 

Katie Sullivan 

Principal Deputy 

Assistant 

Attorney General 

Co-Chair 

Designee 

Jessica Hart 

DOJ OVC 

Trent Shores 

U.S. Attorney 

DOJ 

N. District of OK 

Shannon Cozzoni 

DOJ NDOK 

Tara Sweeny 

Assistant 

Secretary for 

Indian Affairs 

Co-Chair Designee 

Jessie Young 

DOI ASIA 

Charlie Addington 

Deputy Bureau 

Director 

DOI BIA OJS 

Jason O’Neal 

DOI BIA OJS 

David Bernhardt 

Secretary of the Interior 

Co-Chair 

Jeannie Hovland 

Deputy Assistant 

Secretary 

HHS ANA 

Michelle Sauve 

HHS ANA 

Terry Wade 

Executive 

Assistant 

Director 

DOJ FBI 

Timothy Dunham 

DOJ FBI 

Model Protocols 

Listen and Meet and Procedures Administration [Sec. 4(a)(i)] [Sec. 4(a)(ii)(A), 

(B), (C)] 

Executive Support Committee 

Outreach and Tribal and Media/ Protocols/ Listening State Comms Procedures Opportunities Coordination Group Group Group Group 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

DOJ OJP 

Education/ Cold Case Best Practices Outreach Reports Review Team [Sec. 4(a)(iv)(A), [Sec. 4(a)(iv) [Sec. 5(a), (b)] [Sec. 4(a)(iii)] (B)] (C), (D)] 

Education/ Cold Case Best Outreach Group Practices Campaign Group (BIA-OJS) Group (HHS) 

Federal Training Data Resources Group Group Coordination 

”Lady Justice” used with permission from DG Smalling, Choctaw Nation. 

Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 1 

Operation Lady Justice Tasks and 

Progress 

The EO directed the Task Force to accomplish specific tasks over the two-year period, including: 

X Conduct appropriate consultations with Tribal governments on the scope and nature of the issues regarding 

missing and murdered AI/AN. 

X Develop model protocols and procedures to apply to new and unsolved cases of missing or murdered persons 

in AI/AN communities, including best practices for: 

• Improving the way law enforcement investigators and prosecutors respond to the high volume of such 

cases, and to the investigative challenges that might be presented in cases involving female victims; 

• Collecting and sharing data among various jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies; and 

• Better use of existing criminal databases, such as the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System 

(NamUs), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) 

including the National DNA Index System (NDIS). 

X Establish a multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional team including representatives from Tribal law 

enforcement and the DOJ and DOI to review cold cases involving missing and murdered AI/AN. 

X Address the need for greater clarity concerning roles, authorities, and jurisdiction throughout the lifecycle of 

cases involving missing and murdered AI/AN by: 

• Developing and publishing best-practices guidance for use by Federal, State, local, and Tribal law 

enforcement in cases involving missing and murdered AI/AN, to include best practices related to 

communication with affected families from initiation of an investigation through case resolution or closure; 

• Facilitating formal agreements or arrangements among Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement

 to promote maximally cooperative, trauma-informed responses to cases involving missing and murdered 

AI/AN; 

• Developing and executing an education and outreach campaign for communities that are most affected by 

crime against AI/AN to identify and reduce such crime; and 

• Developing, in partnership with NamUs, a public-awareness campaign to educate both rural and urban 

communities about the needs of affected families and resources that are both needed and available. 
2 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

The operation of the Task Force itself and the assigned tasks are divided into seven areas: 

1) Administration 

2) Listen and Meet [EO Section 4(a)(i)] 

3) Model Protocols and Procedures [EO Section 4(a)(ii)(A), (B), (C)] 

4) Cold Case Team [EO Section 4(a)(iii)] 

5) Best Practices [EO Section 4(a)(iv)(A), (B)] 

6) Education and Outreach Campaigns [EO Section 4(a)(iv)(C), (D)] 

7) Reports [EO Section 5(a), (b)] 

Each area is addressed below, noting what activities have been completed and accomplishments have been 

achieved in the area, along with the status of projects yet to be completed and plans for the next year. 

1) Administration 

Administration 

The administrative work of the Task Force has been divided across two working groups: 

(1) Executive Committee and (2) Support. In addition, a number of individuals have 

assisted the Task Force outside of the working group structure. Executive Support Committee 

OLJ formally began its work with its inaugural meeting on January 29, 2020, at DOI in 

Washington, DC. Subsequent meetings were held on a monthly basis to address business before the Task Force, 

including AI/AN leadership and community engagement, as well as the mandates set forth throughout the 

Executive Order. 

OLJ established a website, https://OperationLadyJustice.usdoj.gov to include consultation notices, read outs 

from prior sessions, links to resources, information about missing Native American children, and more. News of 

various events are also sent to the field via subscription to the website and GovDelivery. 

Figuring prominently on all material is the OLJ logo, featuring the artwork of Choctaw Nation artist, DG 

Smalling. 

Other administrative activities included regular briefings for the White House and the Office of Management 

and Budget, and participation in outside agency review of the Missing and Murdered Native Americans 

(MMNA) topic by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. 

The Task Force also coordinated with other Federal efforts related to missing or murdered AI/AN, including: 

X The Attorney General’s Initiative on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons; 

X The Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice; 

X The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children; 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 3 

X The Federal Enforcement Working Group on Combating Human 

Trafficking and Child Exploitation in the U.S.; 

X The White House Council on Native American Affairs; 

X The Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign to End 

Human Trafficking. 

The DOJ, DOI, and HHS answered the Task Force’s request for 

information on programs and funding opportunities for Tribes 

related to the underlying issues of missing persons or murder cases 

in AI/AN communities. That data call will result in a compilation 

of all those resources in one location for ease of reference. 

In addition, the Task Force compiled a number of fact sheets 

containing information on relevant topics, including databases, 

emergency alerts, victim services, and hotlines and helplines for 

families. These fact sheets are available for review and download 

on https://OperationLadyJustice.usdoj.gov. 

Continuing Projects and Plans For Coming Year 

Remaining action items through November 2021: 

X Coordinate with those in charge of the requirements of recently 

enacted legislation “Savanna’s Act” and the “Not Invisible Act” 

to build upon task force work; 

X Increase the number of GovDelivery announcements issued to 

the field; 

X Compile and publish the data call information into 

resources on available funding, programs, and services; 

X Develop a strategy for continued implementation of 

Task Force assignments and activities beyond the 

expiration of OLJ in November 2021; 

X Develop a family resource guide for families of 

missing adults; 

X Further develop the OLJ website to include a new 

“frequently asked questions” section; 

X Continue coordination efforts among all Federal task 

forces and commissions active in this area. 

Derek Grant “DG” Smalling, an artist 

from the Choctaw Nation, created the 

image of “Lady Justice” in 2018 for a 

National Native American Heritage 

Month event at the Department of the 

Interior in Washington, DC. “She carries 

a shield of inter-locking arms as a 

symbolism of a battle standard to 

protect our people,” DG Smalling noted. 

OLJ wishes to express its gratitude to 

DG Smalling for permission to use his 

artwork as the OLJ logo. Under her 

shield, we can reclaim our Native 

communities. 

Task Force Co-chair designees Katie Sullivan and 

Tara Sweeney with the original artwork “Lady Justice” 

by DG Smalling of the Choctaw Nation 
4 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

2) Listen and Meet [Section 4(a)(i)] 

Listen and Meet 

[Sec. 4(a)(i)] X “Conduct appropriate consultations with Tribal governments on 

the scope and nature of the issues regarding missing and murdered 

AI/AN.”1 

Outreach and Tribal and This work has been divided between three working groups: (1) Outreach Media/ Listening State Comms and Listening Opportunities, (2) Tribal and State Coordination, and Opportunities Coordination Group Group Group (3) Media/Communications. In addition, a number of individuals have 

assisted the Task Force outside of the working group structure. 

LISTENING SESSIONS 

The Task Force is committed to listening. All of its work is informed and shaped by input from impacted 

victims, families, and communities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Task Force members began discussing the 

issues with Tribes, Tribal members, and Tribal organizations as the first order of business. Listening Sessions 

were hosted by: 

X National Congress of American Indians’ (NCAI) Executive Council, Winter Session, February 12, 

Washington, DC 

X HHS’s Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Grantees Meeting, February 13, Washington, DC 

X DOJ’s Tribal Nations Leadership Council, February 25, by phone conference 

X HHS ACF’s Tribal Advisory Committee, March 2, Washington, DC 

X DOI’s Tribal Interior Budget Committee, March 12 , Washington, DC 

Notes from those sessions are posted on the OLJ website for public viewing at 

www.operationladyjustice.usdoj.gov. 

So, in conclusion, because the MMIWG crisis spans multiple policy domains, jurisdictions, 

and regions, the response must be multi-pronged. For far too long, our communities and 

nations have grieved and mourned for our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, 

grandmothers, aunties, uncles, nieces and nephews. It’s time for a clear Federal commitment 

to fund Tribal law enforcement, shelters, domestic violence and sexual assault organizations, and 

to enact policy change that will bring justice to victims, families of victims, survivors, and families of 

survivors. 

Tamra Borchardt-Slayton, Chairwoman for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah 

Listening Session, May 29, 2020 

1

EO Section 4(a)(1) 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 5 

The Task Force had an additional 12 consultations and 

listening sessions planned for the field between March 

2020 and July 2020, including: 

X March 17, 2020: United South & Eastern Tribes, 

Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Listening 

Session, Washington, D.C. 

X March 24, 2020: Muscogee Creek Listening 

Session, Tulsa, OK. 

X March 31, 2020: 38th Annual “Protecting Our 

Children” Conference Listening Session, Denver, 

CO. 

X April 15, 2020: Pascua Yaqui Listening Session, 

Tucson, AZ. 

X April 21, 2020: Sycuan Band, California Listening 

Session, El Cajon, CA. 

X April 28, 2020: National Indian Programs Training 

Center Consultation, Albuquerque, NM. 

X May 12, 2020: Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and 

Chippewa Listening Session, Acme Township, MI. 

X May 21, 2020: Yakama Nation, Washington 

Listening Session, Toppenish, WA. 

X June 7–11, 2020: Consultation in Anchorage, AK. 

X June 16, 2020: North Dakota/South Dakota 

Listening Session, Bismarck, ND. 

X June 23, 2020: Women are Sacred Conference 

Listening Session, St. Paul, MN. 

X July 7, 2020: Consultation in Billings, MT. 

First meeting of the OLJ Task Force, January 29, 2020 

Task Force members listening at the ACF Tribal Advisory 

Committee, March 2, 2020 

White House Tribal Liaison Tyler Fish with OLJ Task Force 

members at the Department of Interior Tribal Budget Committee 

meeting, March 12, 2020 
6 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

Map with locations 

Yakama Nation 

Billings, MT 

Sycuan Band 

NICWA Conference 

Denver, CO 

National Indian Programs

Training Center

Albuquerque, NM 

Pascua Yaqui

Tribe 

Muscogee (Creek)

Nation 

North Dakota & South Dakota 

USAO/Tribal Conference

Bismarck, ND 

Women are Sacred 

Conference, 

St. Paul, MN 

Grand Traverse 

Band of Ottawa and 

Chippewa Indians 

United South & Eastern Tribes 

& Midwest Alliance 

of Sovereign Tribes Conference

Washington, DC 

AFN Conference, 

Anchorage, AK 

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

After discussing with our Tribal partners, we together determined that risks due to the COVID-19 health 

emergency made virtual listening sessions and consultations the most prudent path. 

The first four virtual large-scale listening sessions, according to BIA region, were held on May 27, May 29, 

June 2, and June 3. Registration for the four sessions exceeded 1,000 participants. Transcripts of those sessions 

are available on the OLJ website (www.operationladyjustice.usdoj.gov). Comments were also accepted via 

written submission. 

... sometimes [in] Indian Country, our Tribal advocates who are really our unsung heroes, 

are the ones who find out about the missing women and children in our communities because 

sometimes the fear of law enforcement is one they would rather talk to an advocate about their 

missing family members than going to the criminal justice system with that one. 

Monte Fronk, citizen, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe 

Listening Session, June 2, 2020 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 7 

Suggestions from commenters included: 

X the need for a deep dive into the root causes of 

missing and murdered AI/AN 

X improvement in interagency collaboration across all 

agencies 

X full funding for Tribal law enforcement, courts, social 

services, domestic violence shelters, victim services 

programs, domestic violence and sexual assault 

community organizations, and search teams 

X the need for publicly available data on missing 

persons and murder cases 

X increased State and local training on Tribal issues 

including enforcement of Tribal court orders of 

protection 

X the need to establish a national alert system for 

adults similar to Amber Alert 

X better Federal communication with families and 

grassroots organizations 

X Tribal notification when a person goes missing

X programs to address intervention and prevention 

X increased access to the Tribal Access Program, as 

well as increased availability for Amber, Ashanti, and 

Silver Alerts in Indian communities 

The Task Force also conducted listening sessions/meetings with the Center for Native American Youth Cultural 

Preservation Ambassadors Project participants and youth participants in projects supported by ANA’s Native 

Youth Initiative on June 24, 2020, NCAI’s Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) Task Force members on 

September 21, 2020, and with the Navajo Nation on November 9, 2020. 

TRIBAL CONSULTATIONS 

With in-person sessions unavailable, Tribal leaders were invited to participate in a series of 12 virtual Tribal 

consultations held via an online platform between August 17, 2020 and September 17, 2020. A framing paper, 

included as Appendix C, provided relevant background information and questions. Nearly 1,000 Tribal leaders, 

designees, citizens, and others registered across the 12 sessions. 

Consultations were hosted as follows: 

X August 17-BIA Eastern Region 

X August 19-BIA Midwest Region 

X August 21-BIA Southern Plains and Eastern 

Oklahoma Regions 

X August 25-BIA Great Plains and Rocky Mountain 

Regions 

X August 27-BIA Southwest Region 

X August 31-BIA Northwest Region 

X September 2-BIA Western and Navajo Regions 

X September 4-BIA Pacific Region (first session)

X September 8-BIA Pacific Region (second session)

X September 10-BIA Alaska Region (first session)

X September 14-BIA Alaska Region (second session) 

X September 17-Final session for any Leader who 

could not make their scheduled Regional Session 

In addition to the virtual Tribal consultations, OLJ accepted written comments until 11:59 p.m. AKDT on 

October 31, 2020. Transcript and audio/video recordings of all the consultations and listening sessions are 

included on the OLJ website at https://operationladyjustice.usdoj.gov/news. 
8 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

OTHER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS 

In addition to the consultations and listening sessions 

noted above, OLJ has hosted numerous other 

engagements with Tribal law enforcement, FBI and 

BIA Victim Services programs, Tribal domestic 

violence and sexual assault coalitions, and others to 

hear about field experiences. 

In July and August 2020, the DOJ Office of 

Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS 

Office) convened Tribal law enforcement leaders 

from across the country to discuss challenges facing 

the field, share information, and identify successful 

approaches to effectively address missing AI/AN 

cases. This national “call to action” for law enforcement leaders included 10 virtual sessions on four topics: (1) 

The Challenges of Missing and Murdered AI/AN in Your Community; (2) Model Protocols and Procedures; 

(3) NamUs; and (4) Trauma-Informed Victim Services. Dozens of Tribal law enforcement leaders joined 

these interactive discussions to provide their insight into the local Tribal challenges and resources surrounding 

missing and murdered cases. A summary of the engagements is provided in Appendix D. 

In June 2020, OLJ hosted two webinars with Tribal and State task forces, study groups, and other efforts at 

the Tribal and State levels, that are also addressing the issues surrounding missing and murdered AI/AN. 

The goal of these webinars was to share information among the task forces and begin coordination efforts 

among the Tribal, State, and Federal efforts all taking place. The webinars allowed for interactive engagement 

and exchange, including presentations from Tribal and State representatives on their local activities and 

accomplishments, challenges, and ideas for future coordination. 

OLJ has also been working with various state Missing Persons Clearinghouses, including exploring ideas 

for regular coordination moving forward. Other meetings and exchanges have occurred between OLJ and 

representatives from the Canadian “National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,” 

subject matter experts in “ambiguous loss,” and others working with families in cold case reviews. 

Tribal leaders and representatives address OLJ at the 

Department of Interior Tribal Budget Committee meeting, 

March 12, 2020 

I am the Co-Chair of NCAI’s Violence Against Women’s Act Task Force. And one of 

the things that we resoundingly have been talking about, and some of our grassroots 

organizations and state organizations have talked about, is the inclusivity of not just missing 

and murdered, but also men and boys that are—also encompass within our Tribal communities and 

need the same protections as does everyone. 

Shannon Holsey, President, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians in Wisconsin 

Tribal Consultation, August 19, 2020 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 9 

Finally, OLJ and individual members have 

participated in numerous other meetings and 

presentations to share information and provide 

updates on OLJ activities. These events have included: 

X OLJ and Missing and Murdered Indigenous 

Persons (MMIP) Initiative staff presented at the 

annual International Association of Chiefs of 

Police Conference on the Volunteer Engagement 

Curriculum being developed by the COPS Office; 

X Shared OLJ activities and accomplishments at: 

• 2020 iLEAD Native Youth webinar on 

“A Conversation on the Crisis of Missing and 

Murdered Native Americans”, June 2020; Administration on Aging Title VI Friday Afternoon Chats 

serving the Native Elder population, July 2020; 

• HRSA-led 2020 Alaska Virtual Forum on Intimate Partner Violence, Human Trafficking, and Domestic 

Violence, August 2020; 

• HHS Interdepartmental Council on Native American Affairs Biannual Council Meeting, August 2020; 

• COFFEE & QUAQ, a podcast to celebrate and explore contemporary Native life in urban Alaska, August 

2020; 

• Indian Country Federal Law Enforcement Coordination Group meeting, September 2020; 

• AG Initiative MMIP Coordinators Working Group, September 2020; 

• Sally’s List 2020 Native American Summit Webinar with remarks by AS IA Sweeney, September 2020; 

• DOJ SDVCJ Intertribal Working Group (ITWG), October 2020; 

• 904 Task Force on Research on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women hosted by 

OVW and the National Institute of Justice; 

• OVW 15th Annual Government to Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation hosted by 

OVW, October 2020; 

• White House delegation visit to Navajo Nation, October 27, 2020 

• National Center for Victims of Crime National Conference, November 2020; 

OLJ members address the HHS ACF Grantees Meeting, 

February 13, 2020 
10 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

Continuing Projects and Plans For Coming Year 

To increase engagement and maintain effective government-to-government relationships with Tribal 

governments, additional consultations and listening sessions will be scheduled for 2021. These sessions will 

also include a focus on the newly enacted Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act, and on how the mandates in 

those laws dovetail with OLJ’s efforts, including data-collection issues. 

Remaining action items through November 2021: 

X Host additional consultations and listening sessions in geographically diverse locations (as pandemic 

conditions allow) or virtually; 

X Host a series of facilitated roundtables with families of missing or murdered AI/AN, utilizing victim/family 

support in the process; 

X Host several listening sessions with Tribal grass roots organizations actively working in these areas of 

missing or murdered AI/AN; 

X Host several virtual sessions specifically with Tribes that are actively working in these areas of missing or 

murdered AI/AN; 

X Continue referencing the comments from the 2020 consultation sessions to develop possible projects or 

legislation to address concerns from the field; 

X Continue engagement with other groups, including Tribal law enforcement, Tribal and State task forces 

and efforts, grassroots/non-governmental organizations, the NCAI VAWA Task Force, and families. 

Collaborations with these various groups may include virtual meetings, in-person discussions where feasible, 

facilitator-led round tables, or other types of engagements; 

X Partner with the DOJ COPS Office to continue engagements with Tribal law enforcement by hosting 

quarterly webinars on OLJ and related topics; 

How do we reduce vulnerability? You know, again, that is the overwhelming question. We 

have so many factors going against people in our area. We have the poverty. We have the 

generational trauma, not just the genocide that has been performed, the lack of will to provide 

any kind of services, the years of boarding schools, and now foster care. I think we have had 

more kids in foster care than we ever had in boarding schools. And the ongoing racism that—that is 

happening. Those are all the kinds of things that make the population I serve, and that I am a member of, 

vulnerable to becoming a missing person. So we have a lot of things to work on. 

Carmen O’Leary, citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe 

Tribal Consultation, August 25, 2020 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 11 

X Partner with DOJ OJP’s Bureau of Justice 

Assistance (BJA) to continue engagements with 

Tribal and State task forces and efforts by hosting 

monthly webinars to discuss Federal, Tribal, and 

State efforts and reports; 

X OLJ will also explore the possibility of hosting an 

in-person meeting of the Tribal and State missing 

and murdered AI/AN task forces to develop and 

report on best practices for Tribal and State task 

forces; 

X Continue to present on OLJ as requested, including: 

• DOJ Intertribal Working Group for special 

domestic violence criminal jurisdiction (prosecution of non-natives in domestic violence cases); 

• HHS Administration for Native Americans Grantee Conference, February 2021; and 

• Missing and Unidentified Persons Conference, 2021. 

OLJ co-chair designee Katie Sullivan addresses the Tribal 

Interior Budget Committee Meeting, March 12, 2020 

3) Model Protocols and Procedures [Section Model Protocols 

and Procedures 4(a)(ii)(A), (B), (C)] [Sec. 4(a)(ii)(A), 

X “Develop model protocols and procedures to apply to new 

and unsolved cases of missing or murdered persons in AI/AN 

communities, including best practices for: 

(B), (C)] 

Protocols/ 

Procedures Training Federal 

Resources Data 

Group Group • Improving the way law enforcement investigators and Group Coordination 

prosecutors respond to the high volume of such cases, and 

to the investigative challenges that might be presented in 

cases involving female victims; 

• Collecting and sharing data among various jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies; 

• Better use of existing criminal databases, such as the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System 

(NamUs), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) 

including the National DNA Index System (NDIS).”2 

This work has been divided among four working groups: (1) Protocols/Procedures, (2) Training, (3) Federal 

Resources Coordination, and (4) Data. In addition, a number of individuals have assisted the Task Force outside 

of the working group structure. 

2

EO Section 4(a)(ii)(A), (B), (C) 
12 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

Also established in November 2019, the Attorney General’s MMIP Initiative includes investing an initial $1.5 million 

to hire 11 MMIP coordinators in 11 States to serve with all U.S. Attorney’s offices in those States and others who 

request assistance. The States are Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Utah, Nevada, Minnesota, 

Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington. The MMIP coordinators will work closely with Federal, Tribal, state, and 

local agencies to develop common protocols and procedure for responding to reports of missing or murdered 

indigenous people. In addition, the Initiative includes rapid deployment of specialized FBI teams and expert 

assistance in any appropriate missing Native persons case upon request by a Federal, Tribal, State, or local law 

enforcement agency, as well as contemplates comprehensive data analysis to identify opportunities to improve 

missing persons data. 

The OLJ Model Protocols and Procedures Working Group worked together with the DOJ Attorney General’s 

Initiative on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP Initiative) to develop the protocols. 

The Task Force and the AG’s MMIP Initiative received input on the model protocols and procedures from Tribal 

leadership, Tribal law enforcement executives, and many others. Based on feedback, guides are being developed 

that will provide a resource for Tribal communities that wish to develop their own protocols (guidelines) 

tailored to each Tribal community’s needs, resources and culture. 

The guides are in draft format, and include the following: 

X Guide for Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Person Cases (overarching plan) plus: 

• Guide for Developing Community Outreach Guidelines for Missing Person Cases 

• Guide for Developing Law Enforcement Agency Guidelines for Missing Person Cases 

• Guide for Developing Victim Services Guidelines for Missing Person Cases 

• Guide for Developing Public and Media Communications Guidelines for Missing Person Cases 

• Training Plans to support Tribal communities and law enforcement executing these guidelines 

These guides are being piloted in several locations through cooperation of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and 

Tribes, and, after evaluation and review by Tribes, will be disseminate to all Tribes. 

Continuing Projects and Plans For Coming Year 

Remaining action items through November 2021: 

X Finalize the Guide for Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan, including all subcomponents, taking 

into account comments from pilot projects; 

X Develop a dissemination and outreach strategy to ensure the guide reaches the field; 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 13 

X Continue to work with the COPS Office on the Volunteer Engagement for AI/AN Missing Persons Cases 

to expand its availability at the conclusion of the two pilot sessions, including making the Volunteer 

Engagement curriculum a regular offering under the COPS Office’s Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical 

Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) and marketing the curriculum to Tribal law enforcement throughout 2021; 

X Develop a Federal government resource guide reflecting support and resources available via all Federal 

agencies; 

X Undertake research to review commonly-cited statistics for accuracy; 

X Ensure that new resources are available as part of the Education and Outreach Campaign, as applicable; 

X Identify a pilot location for establishment of an Ashanti Alert system. 

4) Cold Case Team [Section 4(a)(iii)] Cold Case 

Review Team 

“Establish a multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional team including representatives from [Sec. 4(a)(iii)] 

Tribal law enforcement, DOJ, and DOI to review cold cases involving missing and murdered 

AI/AN.”3 

Cold Case 

This work has been done through one working group, with six separate sections: (1) Team Group 

(BIA-OJS) 

Training, (2) Team Protocols, (3) Forensics, (4) Victim/Family Services, (5) Media/Outreach, 

and (6) Prosecution. In addition, a number of individuals have assisted the Task Force outside 

of the working group structure. 

The Cold Case Team Working Group has: 

X Compiled and presented training for the new investigators and other team members on various topics, 

including: 

• all relevant forensic disciplines with a focus on the use of DNA including advanced methodologies; 

• available forensic resources including NamUs, the FBI lab, Violent Crime Apprehension Program, and 

leveraging DOJ grants (such as the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative) to help with investigations and forensic 

testing; and 

• victim services including victim-centered, trauma-informed, culturally appropriate responses. 

X Drafted standard operating procedures and protocols that govern the operation of the teams; 

X Developed guidance for victim-centered, trauma-informed, culturally appropriate guidance for team members 

while working with families involved in cold case investigations. 

3

EO Section 4(a)(iii) 
14 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

Map of Cold Case Teams 

Billings, MT 

Albuquerque, NM 

Phoenix, AZ 

Rapid City, SD 

Bloomington, MN 

Nashville, TN 

Anchorage, AK 

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

 ̃

In July 2020, as part of OLJ, DOI established the first of seven teams dedicated to reviewing cold cases 

involving missing or murdered AI/AN. The Cold Case teams are staffed by newly appointed criminal 

investigators from BIA-OJS. Each team may include other partners, including Tribal law enforcement and DOJ. 

The Cold Case Teams are situated in the following locations: 

X Bloomington, MN: announced July 27 

X Rapid City, SD: announced August 4 

X Billings, MT: announced August 6 

X Nashville, TN (opening early 2021) 

X Albuquerque, NM: announced August 11 

X Phoenix, AZ: announced August 13 

X Anchorage, AK: announced August 26 

The BIA Cold Case Teams can be contacted at ojs_coldcase@bia.gov. 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 15 

Continuing Projects and Plans For Coming Year 

Establishment of the seven cold case locations was the first step 

towards fulfilling the EO mandate to establish multi-disciplinary, 

multi-jurisdictional teams. 

Remaining action items through November 2021: 

X Recruit additional members for each team, including Tribal law 

enforcement; 

X Beginning cold case reviews by each of the teams; 

X Continue to compile and present specialized training for team members; 

X Produce and disseminate forensic-related briefings, checklists, and best-practices protocols; 

X Provide advice on evidence testing strategies as needed; and 

X Compile metrics of cases presented to the teams. 

For 2021, the COPS Office has 

incentivized Tribal law enforcement 

participation in the cold case task 

forces by providing bonus points to 

applicants of the Tribal Resources 

Grant Program that indicate they will 

include an officer on the task force.

5) Best Practices [Section 4(a)(iv)(A), (B)] Best Practices 

[Sec. 4(a)(iv)(A), 

X “Address the need for greater clarity concerning roles, authorities, and jurisdiction (B)] 

throughout the lifecycle of cases involving missing and murdered AI/AN by: 

Best • Developing and publishing best-practices guidance for use by Federal, State, local, and Practices 

Tribal law enforcement in cases involving missing and murdered AI/AN, to include Group 

best practices related to communication with affected families from initiation of an 

investigation through case resolution or closure; and 

• Facilitating formal agreements or arrangements among Federal, State, local and Tribal law enforcement to 

promote maximally cooperative, trauma-informed responses to cases involving missing and murdered AI/ 

AN.”4 

This work has been done through one working group: the Best Practices Working Group, which is working 

in connection with the Protocols and Procedures Working Group. In addition, a number of individuals have 

assisted the Task Force outside of the working group structure. 

Jurisdiction is one of the most challenging aspects of public safety in Indian Country. This issue was described 

in 2013 by the Indian Law and Order Commission as a “...complicated web of jurisdictional rules...” that has 

“...contributed to what has become an institutionalized public safety crisis.”5 

4

EO Section 4(a)(iv)(A),(B) 

5

Indian Law and Order Commission, A Roadmap for Making Native America Safer, Nov. 2013. 
16 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

OLJ efforts around these issues include establishing a JusticeConnect site on FBI CJIS LEEP for training which 

is law enforcement only sensitive and sharing of knowledge and resources regarding the handling of missing 

and murdered AI/AN cases. Through online forums and blogs, law enforcement officers can communicate with 

experts, share information and ideas, and receive feedback with criminal investigations. 

Volunteer Engagement for AI/AN Missing Persons Cases 

As a special project under the COPS Office’s Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRITAC), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is working with the OLJ to develop a training and 

technical assistance project that will support Tribal police departments in managing volunteers to support 

missing persons cases. This work will build upon the IACP’s Volunteers in Police Service curriculum and 

will include a four-hour workshop geared toward Tribal leadership and an eight-hour training for Tribal law 

enforcement and other staff who will develop the program and manage volunteers. 

The curriculum development for the two trainings is complete and is going through the final review stages. 

Following review, there will be a presentation to two pilot sites virtually, in late 2020. In addition to the two 

trainings, pilot sites will receive tailored technical assistance to support the development and implementation of a 

missing person volunteer program that meets the Tribe’s needs. 

The OLJ Training Working Group is in the process of gathering all law enforcement and non-law enforcement 

training that can assist with missing or murdered AI/AN cases. Once compiled, this information will be placed on 

the OLJ website and be marketed through other outreach opportunities. 

Continuing Projects and Plans For Coming Year 

Remaining action items through November 2021: 

X Compile and provide training for law enforcement to promote maximally cooperative, trauma-informed 

responses to cases involving missing or murdered AI/AN; 

X Work with State and local law enforcement agencies who have large AI/AN populations to discuss issues 

around missing AI/AN person from those locations; and 

X Assist Tribal law enforcement agencies with developing formal arrangements with their Federal, State, and 

local law enforcement partners regarding missing or murdered AI/AN cases. 

We need more funding for Tribal communities to have training and education, and the 

ability and funding to develop their own response which best suits their community needs. 

What works on the Fort Berthold reservation is not going to work within the boundaries of the 

Muscogee Creek Nation. We have to make sure that we allow our Nations to guide these responses 

that best suit their needs. 

Renee Bourque, citizen, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation 

Listening Session, June 3, 2020 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 17 

6) Education and Outreach Campaigns [Section 4(a)(iv)(C), (D)] Education/ 

Outreach 

[Sec. 4(a)(iv) X “Address the need for greater clarity concerning roles, authorities, and jurisdiction (C), (D)] 

throughout the lifecycle of cases involving missing or murdered AI/AN by: 

Education/

• Developing and executing an education and outreach campaign for communities that are Outreach 

most affected by crime against AI/AN to identify and reduce such crime; and Campaign Group

(HHS) 

• Developing, in partnership with NamUs, a public-awareness campaign to educate both 

rural and urban communities about the needs of affected families and resources that are both needed and 

available.”6 

This work has been done through one working group – the Education/Outreach Campaign Group. In addition, a 

number of individuals have assisted the Task Force outside of the working group structure. 

The Task Force thanks President Trump for assisting with education and outreach efforts by repeatedly 

highlighting the issue of missing and murdered AI/AN, including during a May 2020 roundtable with Tribal 

leaders and a September 2020 event in the Oval Office. 

The OLJ Education and Outreach Workgroup focused in 2020 on development of the OLJ website, and the OLJ 

public awareness campaign. 

The OLJ website includes a description of the Task Force, its accomplishments, all outreach events, read outs 

from prior sessions, links to resources, and other information. A significant section of the website contains fact 

sheets and resources for the field, including resources for law enforcement and family/victim services. There are 

more than 20 fact sheets included on the site with numerous others under development. For example, fact sheets 

on the various missing persons alerts, missing persons databases, and victim services provide vital information 

for all stakeholders. A listing of the current fact sheets can be found in Appendix E. Additionally, OLJ sends 

regular GovDelivery emails out to approximately 1,900 subscribers on the website, in order to share significant 

developments and activities of the Task Force in real time with Tribes and Tribal communities. 

An entire issue of the DOJ Journal, a scholarly publication for the field, is being dedicated to the issues 

surrounding missing or murdered AI/ANs. The January 2021 edition will feature approximately 25 articles 

on the topic, with numerous Federal, Tribal, and other authors covering a wide range of topics that impact the 

response to these cases. 

OLJ Task Force members and support staff worked to engage national and local media to raise awareness of the 

OLJ Task Force through publication of op-eds in national and other opportunities. 

White House staff have consistently discussed the work of the Task Force during regular bi-weekly conference 

calls with Tribal leaders. 

6

EO Section 4(a)(iv)(C), (D) 
18 • Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

Continuing Projects and Plans For Coming Year 

Remaining action items through November 2021: 

X Finalize and post the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that will be available on the OLJ website for the 

field; 

X Publish the DOJ Journal; 

X Develop a guidebook for families when an adult goes missing. The U.S. guidebook would be modeled after 

the Canadian and Australian4 missing adult guidebooks to assist family regarding what to do when an adult 

family member goes missing, how to engage with and what to expect from law enforcement, and how to 

obtain services from victim service providers. A youth missing person cases guidebook is already available at 

https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/170022.pdf; however, a comparable guide for adults would be useful; 

X Add a specific victim services page to the OLJ website; 

X Create a searchable database of resources across DOJ, DOI, and HHS that will assist communities identify 

training, funding, technical assistance, and other resources; 

X Identify conferences and other events to do in-person or virtual education and outreach; 

X Create an “Education and Outreach Toolkit” for the OLJ Website that will highlight OLJ fact sheets and 

other resources using social media, public service announcements, articles, and other media resources so that 

resources are reaching communities impacted by crime. 

One common thread that we have experienced is, you know, when are they going to come 

back to me about this—about my relative’s case? They tell me the same thing over and over 

again. And what I just want to remind, you know, our Federal partners as well as those on the 

call is at times, families feel like they are being told that they are being—that they are pestering 

or that they are, you know, being very—too engaging, I guess. But what I want to remind you all is 

that this is their reality and this is what they are feeling. When they bring their stories forward or when 

they are working with your Federal agencies, it is important to have that trauma-informed component. That 

is not only to reassure the families but also that you are being intentional and taking very good care of the 

cases. So—and I think with all of us understanding that we have to be good relatives with one another, that 

definitely is the spirit we should operate from. 

Jolene Holgate, citizen, Navajo Nation 

Tribal Consultation, September 2, 2020 

7

See https://www.missingadults.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FHE_April_2015.pdf and https://www.missingpersons.justice.nsw.gov.au/ 

Documents/book_missing-people.pdf. 
Report To The President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice • 19 

7) Reports [Section 5(a), (b)] 

“No later than one year after the date of this order, the Task Force shall develop and submit to the President, 

through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a written report regarding the activities and 

accomplishments of the Task Force, the status of projects the Task Force has not yet completed, and specific 

recommendations for future action of the Task Force.”8 

This work has been done by all Task Force members, with assistance and input from a number of those involved 

in the day-to-day activities of the Task Force and working groups. This report is the culmination of the work of 

the first year of the Task Force; it contains the activities and accomplishments, the continuing projects and plans 

for the coming year, and several specific recommendations for future action of the Task Force. 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE ACTIONS OF THE TASK FORCE 

Recommendation 1: 

Draft and propose legislation to authorize both DOJ databases in the area of missing person cases (NamUs and 

FBI CJIS NCIC Missing Persons file) to share information with each other. 

Recommendation 2: 

Find funding for programs to support Tribes in developing and providing continued support to their MMNA 

teams or task forces. 

Recommendation 3: 

Consider adding additional Task Force members. While the EO specifically names members in certain positions 

within DOJ, DOI, and HHS, Section 3(vii) permits “such representatives of other executive departments, 

agencies, and offices as the Co-Chairs may, from time to time, designate” as members. There are other 

executive agencies and offices beyond those specifically named in the EO, that have a role in addressing the 

challenges surrounding missing or murdered AI/AN. The following have significant resources and expertise 

which may contribute to the Task Force: 

X The Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), DOJ; 

X The Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), DOJ; 

X The Director of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), DOJ; 

X The Director of Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Department of Homeland Security; 

X The Director of Indian Health Services (IHS), HHS; and 

X The Director of Office of Native American Programs (ONAP), Department of Housing and Urban 

Development. 

8

EO Section 5(a), (b) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A: Executive Order 13898 66059 

Federal Register 

Vol. 84, No. 231 

Monday, December 2, 2019 

Title 3— 

The President 

Presidential Documents 

Executive Order 13898 of November 26, 2019 

Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered 

American Indians and Alaska Natives 

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the 

laws of the United States of America, and in order to enhance the operation 

of the criminal justice system and address the legitimate concerns of American Indian and Alaska Native communities regarding missing and murdered 

people—particularly missing and murdered indigenous women and girls— 

it is hereby ordered as follows: 

Section 1. Purpose. My Administration has heard the ongoing and serious 

concerns of tribal governments regarding missing and murdered members 

of American Indian and Alaska Native communities, particularly women 

and girls. To address the severity of those concerns, top officials within 

the Federal Government will coordinate and engage with the tribal governments. 

Sec. 2. Establishment. (a) There is hereby established the Task Force on 

Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives (Task Force), 

co-chaired by the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) or their designees. 

(b) The Department of Justice shall provide funding and administrative 

support as may be necessary for the performance and functions of the 

Task Force. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary, shall 

designate an official of the Department of Justice to serve as the Executive 

Director of the Task Force, responsible for coordinating its day-to-day functions. As necessary and appropriate, the Co-Chairs may afford the other 

members of the Task Force an opportunity to provide input into the decision 

of whom to designate as the ExecutiveDirector. 

Sec. 3. Membership. (a) In addition to the Co-Chairs, the Task Force shall 

be composed wholly of full-time, or permanent part-time, officers or employees of the Federal Government and shall include the following members: 

(i) the Director of the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation; 

(ii) the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; 

(iii) the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, Department 

of Justice; 

(iv) the Director of the Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 

Department of the Interior; 

(v) the Chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney 

General’s Advisory Committee; 

(vi) the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Department of Health and Human Services; and 

(vii) such representatives of other executive departments, agencies, and 

offices as the Co-Chairs may, from time to time, designate. 

(b) In performing the functions set forth in sections 4 and 5 of this 

order, the Co-Chairs and members may designate representatives of their 

respective departments, agencies, offices, or entities under their direction 

to participate in the Task Force as necessary, and the Co-Chairs may also 

direct coordination with other Presidential task forces. In carrying out its 

functions, the Task Force shall coordinate with appropriate White House 

officials, including the Senior Counselor to the President, the Assistant 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

66060 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 231 / Monday, December 2, 2019 / Presidential Documents 

to the President for Domestic Policy, and the Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. 

Sec. 4. Mission and Functions. (a) The Task Force shall: 

(i) conduct appropriate consultations with tribal governments on the scope 

and nature of the issues regarding missing and murdered American Indians 

and Alaska Natives; 

(ii) develop model protocols and procedures to apply to new and unsolved 

cases of missing or murdered persons in American Indian and Alaska 

Native communities, including best practices for: 

(A) improving the way law enforcement investigators and prosecutors 

respond to the high volume of such cases, and to the investigative challenges that might be presented in cases involving femalevictims; 

(B) collecting and sharing data among various jurisdictions and law 

enforcement agencies; and 

(C) better use of existing criminal databases, such as the National Missing 

and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), the National Crime Information 

Center (NCIC), and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) including 

the National DNA Index System (NDIS); 

(iii) establish a multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional team including representatives from tribal law enforcement and the Departments of Justice 

and the Interior to review cold cases involving missing and murdered 

American Indians and Alaska Natives; 

(iv) address the need for greater clarity concerning roles, authorities, and 

jurisdiction throughout the lifecycle of cases involving missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives by: 

(A) developing and publishing best-practices guidance for use by Federal, 

State, local, and tribal law enforcement in cases involving missing and 

murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, to include best practices 

related to communication with affected families from initiation of an 

investigation through case resolution or closure; 

(B) facilitating formal agreements or arrangements among Federal, State, 

local, and tribal law enforcement to promote maximally cooperative, trauma-informed responses to cases involving missing and murdered American 

Indians and Alaska Natives; 

(C) developing and executing an education and outreach campaign for 

communities that are most affected by crime against American Indians 

and Alaska Natives to identify and reduce such crime; and 

(D) developing, in partnership with NamUs, a public-awareness campaign 

to educate both rural and urban communities about the needs of affected 

families and resources that are both needed and available. 

Sec. 5. Reporting. (a) No later than 1 year after the date of this order, 

the Task Force shall develop and submit to the President, through the 

Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a written report regarding 

the activities and accomplishments of the Task Force, the status of projects 

the Task Force has not yet completed, and specific recommendations for 

future action of the Task Force. 

(b) No later than 2 years after the date of this order, the Task Force 

shall develop and submit to the President, through the Assistant to the 

President for Domestic Policy, a final written report regarding the activities 

and accomplishments of the Task Force. 

Sec. 6. Termination. The Task Force shall terminate 2 years after the date 

of this order, unless otherwise directed by the President. 

Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed 

to impair or otherwise affect: 

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, 

or the head thereof; or 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 231 / Monday, December 2, 2019 / Presidential Documents 66061 

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget 

relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. 

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and 

subject to the availability of appropriations. 

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, 

substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party 

against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, 

employees, or agents, or any other person. 

THE WHITE HOUSE, 

November 26, 2019. 

[FR Doc. 2019–26178 

Filed 11–29–19; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F0–P 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix B – Task Force Members and 

All Federal Personnel Assisting the Task Force 

Department Agency First Name Last Name Title 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Children and Families Mirtha Beadle Senior Policy Advisor 

Health and Human 

Services 

Indian Health Service Jennifer Buschick Director of Public Affairs 

Health and Human 

Services 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Valerie Daniel Division of Violence Prevention 

Communications 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Children and Families Savannah Emerich Policy & Program Advisor 

Health and Human 

Services 

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality William Freeman HHS Administration for Health 

Research and Quality 

Health and Human 

Services 

Indian Health Service Erica Gourneau National Forensic Nurse 

Coordinator 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Children and Families Aimee Hart Communications Specialist 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Native Americans Jean Hovland Deputy Assistant Secretary for 

Native American Affairs and 

Commissioner, Administration 

for Native Americans 

Health and Human 

Services 

Indian Health Service Constance James Public Information Officer 

Health and Human 

Services 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 

Laura Kollar Behavioral Scientist 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Children and Families Samantha Leonardo Communications Advisor 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Native Americans Shahida Memon Administrative Assistant 

Health and Human 

Services 

Office of the Inspector General Curt Muller Special Agent In Charge, KC 

Region, OIG 

1 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Native Americans Kelly Njike Project Consultant 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Children and Families, Office on 

Trafficking in Persons 

Elizabeth Pfenning Capacity Building Specialist 

Health and Human 

Services 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Delight Satter Sr. Health Scientist, Office of 

Tribal Affairs/Strategic 

Alliances 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Native Americans Michelle Sauve Intergovernmental Specialist 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Children and Families Kristi Synold Program Analyst 

Health and Human 

Services 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration 

Alec Thundercloud Director, Office of Tribal Affairs 

and Policy 

Health and Human 

Services 

Administration for Native Americans Autumn 

Rose 

Williams Communication Specialist 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Charles Addington Deputy Bureau Director 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Victim Assistance 

Program 

Wendy Bremner Victim Specialist 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Molanna Clifford Criminal Investigator 

Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Office of 

Public Affairs 

David Conrad Director, Office of Public Affairs 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Barry Cossey Program Analyst 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Garrick DeClay Criminal Investigator 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Rick Decora Criminal Investigator 

Interior Office of the Assistant Secretary Tyler Fish Executive Director, WHCNAA 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Dustin French Criminal Investigator 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Shawn Garnenez Criminal Investigator 

Interior Indian Police Academy Steven Juneau Academy Director, US Indian 

Police Academy 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Robert Lake Staff Assistant 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services William LeCompte Regional Agent in Charge, 

Northwest Region 

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Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Jeramie Mendez Criminal Investigator 

Interior Office of the Assistant Secretary Richard Meyers Chief of Staff 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Contstance Natseway Law Enforcement Assistant 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Jason O'Neal Assistant Director 

Interior Office of the Assistant Secretary Anita Personius Office Assistant 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Michael Potter Criminal Investigator 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Steven Red Cloud Criminal Investigator 

Interior Interior Connor Swanson Deputy Press Secretary 

Interior Office of the Assistant Secretary Tara Sweeney Assistant Secretary - Indian 

Affairs 

Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services Algin Young Associate Director 

Interior Office of the Assistant Secretary Jessie Young Senior Counselor 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, CACHTU Leslie Adamczyk Supervisory Special Agent 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana Kurt Alme United States Attorney 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Manali Basu Public Affairs Specialist 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal 

Investigative Division 

Christina Bedford CARD Coordinator 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of the Assistant 

Attorney General 

Emma Bennett Special Assistant 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico Denise Billy MMIP Coordinator 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota Christopher Boeckers MMIP Coordinator 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of 

Communications 

Joe Boone, Jr. Web Content Manager 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Jennifer Born Intelligence Analyst 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Bill Brantley Public Affairs Specialist 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of the Assistant 

Attorney General 

Jasmine Braxton Pathways Student Intern 

Justice Office on Violence Against Women Errical Bryant Advisor 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, Districts of Oklahoma Patti Buhl MMIP Coordinator 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of 

Oklahoma 

Payton Bullard Secretary to the U.S. Attorney 

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Justice Office of Tribal Justice Christopher Chaney Senior Counsel for Law 

Enforcement and Information 

Sharing 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of the 

General Counsel 

Brendan Clary General Attorney 

Justice Office on Violence Against Women Frances Cook Attorney Advisor 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cellular Analysis 

Survey Team 

Wendell Cosenza Special Agent 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of 

Oklahoma 

Shannon Cozzoni Assistant United States 

Attorney 

Justice National Institute of Justice Christine Crossland Social Science Analyst 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska Ingrid Cumberlidge MMIP Coordinator 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Silas Darden Director, OCOM 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Behavioral 

Analysis Unit 3 

Leon Davis Management and Program 

Analyst 

Justice Office on Violence Against Women Robert Davis Communications Officer 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Veronica Dorsey Administrative Assistant 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Critical Incident 

Response Group, Behavioral Analysis Unit 4, 

Crimes Against Adult Victims Violent Criminal 

Apprehension Program 

Alethea Duncan Unit Chief, BAU-4 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Timothy Dunham Deputy Assistant Director, 

Criminal Investigative Division 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Victim Services 

Division 

Pam Elton Supervisory Victim Assistant 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal 

Investigative Division 

Amy Ferron CARD Coordinator 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indian Country 

Special Jurisdiction Unit 

Olen Freeman Supervisory Special Agent 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona Anthony Garcia MMIP Coordinator 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of the Assistant 

Attorney General 

Eileen Garry Director of Special Projects 

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Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Abduction 

Rapid Deployment 

Melvin Gonzalez Special Agent 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Marcia Good Executive Director 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Nathan Graham Crime Analyst 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indian Country 

Special Jurisdiction Unit 

Jerry Grambow Supervisory Special Agent 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indian Country 

Special Jurisdiction Unit 

Briana Grant Supervisory Special Agent 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Section Chief 

Violent Crimes 

Jay Greenberg Section Chief 

Justice Office on Violence Against Women Minh Ha Policy and Communications 

Assistant 

Justice Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys Leslie Hagen Assistant Chief Learning Officer 

Justice Office for Victims of Crime Jessica Hart Director, Office for Victims of 

Crime 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Christopher Henshaw Deputy Director 

Justice National Institute of Justice Charles Heurich Physical Scientist 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of 

Communications 

Rebecca Holdenried Outreach Coordinator 

Justice Office of Public Affairs Wyn Hornbuckle Public Affairs Specialist 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Victim Services 

Division 

Tamara Jell Victim Specialist 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Sheila Jerusalem Public Affairs Specialist 

Justice NamUs Samantha Jordan Communications Director 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indian Country 

Special Jurisdiction Unit 

Tracie Keegan Supervisory Special Agent 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Timothy Keel Investigative Support Specialist 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of the 

General Counsel 

Stephen Kelly Supervisory General Attorney 

Justice United States Marshals Service Darby Kirby Chief Inspector 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of 

Communications 

Priscilla LalisseJespersen Contractor 

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Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Victim Services 

Division 

Kristen Lybert Management and Program 

Analyst 

Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Matthew Lysakowski Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Christine Markomanolakis Correspondence Analyst 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lab Erin Martin Physical Scientist 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Brian McGrath Chief Information Officer 

Justice United States Marshals Service Lori McPherson Senior Policy Advisor 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Phil Merkle Director 

Justice Office on Violence Against Women Velvenia Minor Executive Assistant to the 

Director 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of 

Oklahoma 

Lennea Montandon Public Information Officer 

Justice Office of Public Affairs Arlen Morales Public Affairs Specialist 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota Troy Morley Assistant United States 

Attorney 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice 

Information Services Division 

Russ Myers Management and Program 

Analyst 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice 

Information Services Division, Tribal Engagement 

Kristi Naternicola Liaison Specialist 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Utah Steve Nelson Assistant United States 

Attorney 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Angela Noel Gantt Deputy Director 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of 

Communications 

Laura Perez Implementation Consultation, 

Granicus 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, Districts of Michigan Joel Postma MMIP Coordinator 

Justice Office on Violence Against Women Laura Rogers Acting Director 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Nicolette Rose Intelligence Analyst 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice 

Assistance 

Rebecca Rose Senior Policy Advisor 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nevada Thomas Ross MMIP Coordinator 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of the Assistant 

Attorney General 

James Sapp Chief of Staff 

Justice Office of Justice Programs David Sckrabulis Digital Media Manager 

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Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Steve Shapiro Unit Chief 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Behavioral 

Analysis Unit 4 

Joseph Shevlin Unit Chief 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of 

Oklahoma 

Trent Shores United States Attorney 

Justice NamUs B.J. Spamer Executive Director 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Utah Brian Speelman MMIP Coordinator 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Katharine Sullivan Principal Deputy Assistant 

Attorney General 

Justice NamUs Carrie Sutherland Regional Program Specialist 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Leah Tanner Supervisory Special Agent 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Brittney Thompson Intelligence Analyst 

Justice Office of Tribal Justice Tracy Toulou Director 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Terry Wade Executive Assistant Director, 

Criminal, Cyber, Response and 

Services Branch 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Chuck Wagner Associate Director 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, Behavioral 

Analysis Unit 5 

Jen Waterfield Supervisory Special Agent 

Justice Office of Justice Programs Jeffrey Webb Contractor 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana Ernest Weyand MMIP Coordinator 

Justice Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys Ben Whittemore Attorney Advisor 

Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Glen Wildey Crime Analyst 

Justice U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Oregon Cedar Wilkie Gillette MMIP Coordinator 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice 

Assistance 

Angela Williamson Supervisor, Forensic Initiatives 

Justice Office of Justice Programs, Office of 

Communications 

Pamela Wong Writer Editor 

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1

Appendix C: Consultation Framing Paper

CONSULTATION FRAMING PAPER 

ON THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON MISSING AND 

MURDERED AMERICAN INDIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES 

Background 

During prior Tribal consultations and listening sessions, Tribal leaders, advocates, law 

enforcement, community members, and others raised concerns about the disappearance or 

murder of American Indian and Alaska Native people across the United States. A grassroots 

movement across the nation focused attention on these issues, commonly referred to as “MMIW” 

or Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women. 

Tribes are taking concerted action to address MMIW issues. For example, the Yakama Nation in 

southern Washington began accessing the state’s major violent crime database to track the 

disappearance of tribal members. On the Navajo Nation, the Missing and Murdered Diné 

Relatives working group is tackling issues like sex trafficking and child abductions in the 

nation’s largest Tribal jurisdiction. In Montana, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are 

working with state officials to prioritize cases of missing or murdered Tribal citizens. 

States have also recognized MMIW concerns and taken action through legislation, state-level 

task forces, and tribally-based field hearings. Individual Federal agencies have also responded, 

with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior (DOI), and Department of 

Health and Human Services (HHS) all involved. 

The Task Force 

Recognizing that there is great strength in collaboration, on November 26, 2019, the President 

issued Executive Order (EO) 13898, forming the Task Force on Missing and Murdered 

American Indians and Alaska Natives, also known as Operation Lady Justice (OLJ). The Task 

Force aims to enhance the operation of the criminal justice system and address the legitimate 

OperationLadyJustice.usdoj.gov 

OperationLadyJustice@usdoj.gov 

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concerns of American Indian and Alaska Native communities regarding missing or murdered 

people – particularly missing or murdered women and girls. Throughout our consultations and 

listening sessions, Tribal leaders and advocates urged the task force to remember and include the 

missing or murdered Native American male population. As a result of this request, the Task 

Force has adopted the terminology Missing and Murdered Native Americans or “MMNA” to 

include American Indian and Alaska Natives of all genders and age groups. 

The Task Force, composed of Federal officials representing the DOJ, DOI, and HHS, is charged 

with conducting “appropriate consultations with tribal governments on the scope and nature of 

the issues regarding missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.”1 The purpose 

of the Task Force is to accomplish certain identified projects and provide reports to the President. 

Tribal Listening Sessions and Consultations 

Pursuant to EO 13175 and the combined consultation polices of the three involved agencies, this 

paper is intended to help frame discussions at the Tribal listening sessions and consultations that 

are and will be scheduled for locations throughout the United States. 

Prior to the curtailing of activities accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic, the Task Force held 

five listening sessions with Tribal leaders and others in the following locations: 

• National Congress of American Indians’ Executive Council Winter Session, on February 

12, 2020, in Washington, D.C.; 

• HHS Administration for Children and Families (ACF)’s Grantee Meeting on February 

13, 2020, in Washington, D.C.; 

• DOJ’s Tribal Nations Leadership Council (TNLC) on February 25, 2020, via conference 

call; 

• HHS ACF’s Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) on March 2, 2020, in Washington, D.C.; 

and 

• DOI’s Tribal Interior Budget Committee (TIBC) on March 12, 2020 both in Washington 

D.C, and virtually. 

Four listening sessions were held by webinar from May 27, 2020, through June 3, 2020, with 

over 1,000 participants. The Task Force also held a listening session on June 24, 2020 with 

Native American youth who participate in the Administration for Native Americans’ Initiative 

for Leadership, Empowerment, and Development projects. 

Twelve Tribal listening sessions and consultations scheduled from March 2020 through July 

2020 were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

1 EO 13898, Section 4(a)(i). 

OperationLadyJustice.usdoj.gov 

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The Task Force has scheduled virtual consultations by BIA Region between mid-August and the 

end of September, 2020. As Tribal nations reopen their communities, the Task Force will 

consider including in-person consultations and listening sessions. 

Specific Task Force Deliverables 

In addition to requiring the Task Force to consult with Tribes on the scope and nature of the 

issues regarding missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, EO 13898 sets forth 

the following specific deliverables for the Task Force to accomplish: 

 Develop model protocols and procedures to apply to new or unsolved cases of missing or 

murdered persons in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, including best 

practices for: 

• Law enforcement investigators’ and prosecutors’ response to the high volume of 

MMIW cases, and to the investigative challenges that might be presented with cases 

involving female victims; 

• Data collecting and sharing among multiple jurisdictions and law enforcement 

agencies; and 

• Use of existing criminal databases, such as the National Missing and Unidentified 

Persons System (NamUs), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the 

Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) including the National DNA Index System 

(NDIS). 

 Establish a multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional team including representatives from Tribal 

law enforcement and the DOJ and DOI to review cold cases involving missing or murdered 

American Indians and Alaska Natives. 

 Address the need for greater clarity concerning roles, authorities, and jurisdiction throughout 

the lifecycle of cases involving missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives 

by: 

• Developing and publishing best-practices guidance for federal, state, local, and tribal 

law enforcement in cases involving missing or murdered American Indians and 

Alaska Natives, to include best practices related to communication with affected 

families from initiation of an investigation through case resolution or closure; 

• Facilitating formal agreements or arrangements among federal, state, local and tribal 

law enforcement to promote maximally cooperative, trauma-informed responses to 

cases involving missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives; 

• Developing and executing an education and outreach campaign for communities that 

are most affected by crime against American Indians and Alaska Natives to identify 

and reduce such crime; and 

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4

• Developing, in partnership with NamUs, a public-awareness campaign to educate 

both rural and urban communities about the needs of affected families and resources 

that are available and inaccessible. 

 Submit a report to the President at the halfway mark on November 26, 2020, detailing: 

• The activities and accomplishments of the Task Force; 

• The status of projects the Task Force has not yet completed; and 

• Specific recommendations for future action of the Task Force. 

 Submit a final report on November 26, 2021, detailing the final activities and 

accomplishments of the Task Force. 

Additional Relevant Background Information 

Operation Lady Justice is tasked with work in two very different areas: missing person cases and 

murder cases. The two issues are often discussed together as one movement, but the underlying 

data, potential root causes, and community and law enforcement responses are very different. 

Becoming a missing person is not a crime, unless their disappearance is the result of criminal 

activity. Most reported missing persons return home or are located, and consequently those cases 

are not murder cases. Likewise, many murder cases do not first present as a missing person case. 

In addition, the data reported by law enforcement to the official FBI Criminal Justice 

Information System (CJIS) Missing Persons database indicate that American Indian and Alaska 

Native men and boys are reported missing more often than American Indian and Alaska Native 

women and girls. The underlying reasons that men and boys go missing may vary from the 

underlying reasons why women and girls go missing, and responses may need to be adjusted to 

fit the underlying reasons. Finally, it is likely that not all persons who are missing are reported to 

law enforcement and thus are not reported to the Missing Persons database. 

CONSULTATION QUESTIONS: These questions are intended to 

be answered from your perspective of what happens in your 

community. 

SCOPE: 

1. From your experience, when people go missing in your community: 

a. What are typically the gender and age of those persons? 

b. Are there any common community factors which may contribute? 

c. Are there any external factors outside of the community which may contribute? 

d. Do persons from your community generally go missing most from the 

community or while away from your community? 

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5

e. Are missing persons typically reported to law enforcement immediately after 

their disappearance is recognized? 

f. If not, are there specific reasons why a report might be delayed or not officially 

made? 

g. Is there a standard law enforcement process for responding to missing persons 

reports in your community? 

h. Are there additional community responses beyond law enforcement which assist 

in responding to missing persons reports? 

i. Do you believe that missing persons information in your community is being 

entered into official federal databases that currently track missing persons? 

j. Are law enforcement officials typically notified when someone returns or is 

found if law enforcement is not involved in the recovery? 

2. From your experience, when there is an suspected murder in your community: 

a. Is there a more typical gender/age of the victim? 

b. Is there a more typical gender/age of the perpetrator? 

c. Is there typically a relationship between the victim and the perpetrator? 

d. Which characteristics are common among perpetrators? 

e. Which types of community factors, if any, might contribute to the suspected 

murders? 

f. Are there common external factors to the Tribe that might contribute to the 

suspected murders? If so, what are they? 

g. Are cases involving a suspected murder thoroughly investigated by law 

enforcement? 

h. Are perpetrators generally identified and prosecuted? 

CHALLENGES: What are the major problems or challenges your community faces in 

missing persons instances? 

The following is the type of information that would be helpful: 

• Prioritization and assessment – Is there a protocol? Who does intake, what factors are 

typically considered in the assessment, and who determines the response? 

• Resources - How are resources implemented or coordinated by your tribe? How are 

resources typically mobilized especially in rural areas? Are there gaps in resources or 

delays in accessing them? 

• Coordination - What agencies are involved? How do they collaborate? What does the 

coordination typically look like with community members and volunteers? 

• Information sharing – How is information typically collected and disseminated? By 

whom? What is the impact of social media? 

• Racism/Bias/Lack of understanding or regard – Do these factors affect responses by law 

enforcement? If so, what strategies have been effective in overcoming these factors? 

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6

What are the major problems or challenges your community faces in suspected murder 

cases? 

The following is the type of information that would be helpful: 

• Prioritization and assessment – Is there a protocol? Who does intake, what factors are 

typically considered in the assessment, and who determines the response? 

• Resources - How are resources implemented or coordinated by your tribe? How are 

resources typically mobilized especially in rural areas? Are there gaps in resources or 

delays in accessing them? 

• Coordination - What agencies are involved? How do they collaborate? What does the 

coordination typically look like with community members and volunteers? 

• Information sharing – How is information typically collected and disseminated? By 

whom? What is the impact of social media? 

• Racism/Bias/Lack of understanding or regard – Do these factors affect responses by law 

enforcement? If so, what strategies have been effective in overcoming these factors? 

SOLUTIONS/RESOURCES: What is your vision for how to make your community and 

people safer? 

The following is the type of information that would be helpful: 

• What could reduce vulnerability of your tribal members? 

• What prevention efforts can be implemented? 

• What services do you have available for individuals who may be experiencing domestic 

violence, dating violence, sex trafficking, child abuse or neglect, or other forms of 

violence that may contribute to individuals going missing or being murdered? 

• How is substance abuse in your community being addressed? 

• What type of education is needed for professionals, leaders, community members, and 

children in your community? 

• Do you utilize Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) to address problems like intimate 

partner violence and homicide? 

• Do your emergency operation plans include plans for missing persons? 

• How do you support families and crime victims when something happens? 

• What are the major strengths and assets of your community and can you share any of that 

expertise with other communities, including policies, protocols etc.? 

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• What other specific recommendations does your tribe have for the Task Force to consider 

to address or curtail the incidence of missing persons within American Indian and Alaska 

Native communities? 

OperationLadyJustice.usdoj.gov 

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7

• What other specific recommendations do you have for the Task Force to consider to 

address or curtail murder of Native Americans within American Indian and Alaska 

Native communities? 

OperationLadyJustice.usdoj.gov 

OperationLadyJustice@usdoj.gov 

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Appendix D: Discussion Summaries

Operation Lady Justice Task Force 

Discussion Summaries 

July-August 2020 
 

 

 

Contents 

Overview ...........................................................................................................................................4 

The Challenges of Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in Your Community........4 

What does the MMIP problem look like among the people in your community?.................................4 

Challenges Related to MMIP Issues and Cases ..................................................................................6 

Reporting....................................................................................................................................6 

Triage and Assessment ................................................................................................................6 

Resources...................................................................................................................................6 

Coordination...............................................................................................................................6 

Databases...................................................................................................................................7 

Information Sharing ....................................................................................................................7 

Strengths and Best Practices............................................................................................................8 

Model Protocols and Procedures.........................................................................................................8 

Missing Person Policies and Protocols ..............................................................................................9 

Coordination with Other Agencies ...................................................................................................9 

Coordination with Community Groups ...........................................................................................10 

Most Important Factors When Responding to a Missing Person Case...............................................10 

Timeliness.................................................................................................................................11 

Police Response ........................................................................................................................11 

Police Investigation, Assessment, and Classification ....................................................................11 

Introduction of Outside/Specialized Resources ...........................................................................12 

Community Response/Action.....................................................................................................12 

Coordinated Multidisciplinary Response.....................................................................................12 

Communication/Community Messaging .....................................................................................12 

Reunification/Follow-up ............................................................................................................13 

Training........................................................................................................................................13 

Specialized Training...................................................................................................................13 

Barriers to Training....................................................................................................................15 

National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs) ................................................................16 

Trauma-Informed Victim Services......................................................................................................16 

Appendix A – Discussion Participants.................................................................................................17 

Discussion 1: The Challenges of Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in Your 

Community...................................................................................................................................17 

2 
Discussion 2: Model Protocols and Procedures ...............................................................................19 

Discussion 3: National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs).........................................22 

Discussion 4: Trauma-Informed Victim Services ..............................................................................24 

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Overview 

On November 26, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13898, forming the Task Force on 

Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, also known as Operation Lady Justice (OLJ). 

The Task Force, which includes seven members from the U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Interior, and 

Health and Human Services, is focused on improving the criminal justice process with respect to missing 

and murdered American Indian and Alaska Natives, especially missing and murdered women and girls. 

The Executive Order requires the Task Force to conduct consultations and listening sessions with Tribal 

governments and leaders across the country. 

As part of these efforts, the DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), in 

conjunction with OLJ, convened tribal law enforcement leaders from across the country to discuss 

challenges facing the field, share information, and identify successful approaches to effectively address 

missing American Indian and Alaska Native cases. The COPS Office held a series of virtual sessions 

covering four discussion topics: 

1) The Challenges of Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in Your 

Community 

2) Model Protocols and Procedures 

3) NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) 

4) Trauma-Informed Victim Services. 

This report summarizes these discussions. 

The Challenges of Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska 

Natives in Your Community 

Discussion Dates: July 21-23, 2020 

Facilitators: 

Ernie Weyand, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Program Coordinator for the District 

of Montana 

Algin Young, Associate Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Justice Services (OJS) 

The first set of discussions centered on the challenges of missing and murdered American Indians and 

Alaska Natives. Participants were asked a series of questions to explore this topic. Their responses are 

summarized below. 

What does the MMIP problem look like among the people in your community? 

Homicides and missing persons cases affect the entire community, especially in small villages where 

many (if not most) people are related. While some tribal communities have low crime rates and few 

homicides and missing persons cases, other communities have more cases. Sometimes people go 

missing from the reservation, but other times they go missing from jurisdictions surrounding the 

reservation, which can be difficult to track. Below are some of the contributing factors related to cases 

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involving missing and murdered indigenous people, including characteristics of both victims and 

perpetrators. 

Substance Abuse – Anecdotally, it was noted that many of the young native female population who are 

sexually assaulted, go missing, or are murdered have engaged in a lifestyle that includes drugs and 

alcohol. 

Desire to Travel – People will travel where they want and for various reasons. Sometimes people may 

visit larger communities outside of the reservation and then not return home. The police do not know if 

they are missing or murdered. It is hard to document that, so the statistics may be skewed. 

Cross-Border Travel – For communities located along the Canadian border, the Jay Treaty permits 

indigenous people to travel freely across the U.S.-Canadian border. In upstate New York, there are also 

Tribal boarding schools that span the border. Therefore, it is difficult to identify which agency to contact 

to investigate a missing person. 

Jurisdictional Barriers – There are jurisdictional barriers between tribal lands and non-tribal lands, which 

can hinder reporting and investigation. Some tribal communities operate under PL-280, which confers 

criminal jurisdiction to the state, while others have transitioned from PL-280 to tribal jurisdiction. 

Juveniles – Participants noted that many juvenile victims run away from home, often going to a friend’s

house. When juveniles are involved, some agencies will work more closely with federal authorities 

and/or a multi-agency human trafficking task force. Some teenagers who go missing are fleeing from 

federal custody (e.g., DHS, ICE). 

Remoteness – In Alaska, most villages are isolated with no road connection, so many of the missing 

persons cases are search and rescue operations (e.g., for people traveling by boat). 

Unique Tribal Culture – Each community has its own culture. For example, in one community in upstate 

New York there are several Tribal boarding schools in the area. However, many tribal communities 

struggle with the loss of tribal history, culture, and language among tribal members, which can 

contribute to a feeling of not being connected to the community. 

Tribal Member Identification – Some tribal members who live off the reservation are not identified as 

Native American by outside law enforcement agencies, so this information may not be shared with the 

tribal authorities or be included when entering the missing persons report into state and national 

databases (e.g., NCIC). 

Lack of Education About Tribal Issues – Outside law enforcement agencies do not necessarily know the 

intricacies of tribal culture. While some agencies have a good relationship with outside authorities, there 

is still a lack of education nationwide. 

Dependency on Casinos – Many Tribal communities are dependent on casinos. While the gaming 

industry can result in improvements to a reservation (e.g., adding jobs), it can also contribute to higher 

incidents of drug and alcohol abuse.1 

1 Kodish et al. Impact of casinos on key pathways to health: qualitative findings from American Indian gaming 

communities in California. BMC Public Health (2016) 16:621. 

https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-016-3279-3. 

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Poverty – Some Tribal members live in poverty with little economic stability or opportunities for 

employment. This may result in Tribal members leaving the reservation to pursue opportunities 

elsewhere. 

Challenges Related to MMIP Issues and Cases 

Participants discussed the problems and challenges related to MMIP issues and cases. The questions 

focused on six specific areas, including: 

1) Reporting 

2) Triage and assessment 

3) Resources 

4) Coordination 

5) Databases 

6) Information sharing 

Reporting 

One of the biggest challenges related to MMIP cases is the delay in reporting someone missing. When 

there is a delay in reporting, there is also a delay in sharing the information with the community and 

surrounding agencies. Receiving timely reports from outside agencies or non-Tribal agencies in the case 

of PL-280 states can also be challenging. One agency reported that oftentimes a week passes before 

someone reports a person missing. 

Triage and Assessment 

Many agencies reported using Lexipol to develop and maintain their missing person response protocol. 

Other agencies have developed their own internal policies and general orders, while some smaller 

agencies do not have a policy in place. Several agencies reported a distinction between adult and 

juvenile cases. For example, some agencies are required to respond and enter missing juveniles into 

NCIC within two hours. In one jurisdiction, the chief medical examiner and state attorney’s office was

required to be notified of all cases involving missing adults. 

Resources 

Several Tribal agencies reported a lack of resources, including personnel and training. Some agencies 

have difficulty retaining officers and will lose them to other departments in Indian Country. Officers 

need additional scenario-based training on how to respond to missing or murdered persons cases, and 

human trafficking cases. Although grants are available for Tribal agencies, the grant application and 

reporting requirements are too onerous for many Tribes. The process of procuring resources such as a 

records management system or database can be difficult. 

Coordination 

Most Tribal law enforcement agencies reported robust coordination with other public safety agencies 

(both Tribal and non-Tribal), federal agencies (e.g., FBI, Border Patrol), other Tribes, and community 

organizations. For example, the FBI assists Tribal agencies with preparing subpoenas and search 

warrants for social media. However, there are other agencies that do not have good working 

relationships with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. This may be due to a lack of 

understanding about the authority of Tribal agencies. 

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Agencies that have good working relationships often have established memoranda of understanding 

(MOUs) with other agencies. For example, some Tribal agencies are part of multi-agency and multidisciplinary task forces. Agencies also actively coordinate with other native police forces, the local 

emergency management agency, local fire department, the sheriff’s office, volunteer search and rescue 

organizations, victim services advocates, substance abuse support organizations (e.g., Alcoholics 

Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous), and forestry and conservation agencies. 

Tribal agencies also reported coordination with other community and family services. For example, the 

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe provides crisis response services to victims of domestic violence and sexual 

assault through its Three Sisters Program. In addition to support services, this program offers a 24/7 

secure shelter facility for victims in need of immediate assistance. Another example is the White Earth 

Tribal Nation’s DOVE Program (“Down ON Violence Everyday”), which serves victims of sexual assault, 

domestic violence, stalking, dating violence, elder abuse, trafficking and general crime. The DOVE 

Program provides services to Native and non-Native women, men and youth who live on or near the 

White Earth Reservation. 

In addition, Tribal agencies coordinate with the community through traditional outreach and 

engagement efforts (e.g., community councils, Coffee with a Cop, outreach to seniors). 

Databases 

Tribal agencies have access to national databases such as the FBI’s National Crime Information Center 

(NCIC) and NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons). While the majority of agencies reported 

that they enter missing persons into NCIC, not everyone was familiar with or entered data into NamUs. 

Some agencies also have access to local, regional, and state databases. In Alaska, for example, all 

missing persons cases are entered into the Alaska Department of Public Safety's Missing Persons 

Clearing House. If an agency does not have access to NCIC, they will partner with the local law 

enforcement agency (e.g., county sheriff’s office) to enter the data. One agency reported difficulty in 

accessing Department of Motor Vehicle records in Oklahoma. 

Information Sharing 

Tribal agencies generally reported good information sharing with other agencies. Once an agency 

receives a report of a missing person and takes a report, the agency will enter the required data into 

NCIC and disseminate that information with surrounding agencies, as well as other agencies if there is 

reason to believe the person may be located outside the area. Some agencies also send the reports to 

local radio and television stations to share with the community. 

In addition, Tribal agencies use social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), community notification systems 

(e.g., Nixle), and Amber Alerts to notify the community. Social media can benefit Tribal agencies when 

investigating missing persons because information can be quickly shared with the public. However, 

participants noted that having a social media presence can sometimes backfire (e.g., negative or 

unhelpful comments). 

A few agencies reported that the community does not always want to cooperate and share information 

with the police. In many communities, there are significant trust issues. Some see law enforcement as 

corrupt and do not have confidence in the agency. To mitigate these concerns, Tribal agencies 

participate in community events and meetings so residents can interact with the police and increase 

their comfort level in communicating with the police. Some of these community events address 

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substance abuse issues and healing. To educate community members, Tribal agencies should also 

discuss how to report missing persons and the importance of quickly notifying authorities when 

someone goes missing. 

Strengths and Best Practices 

Participants shared strengths and best practices in responding to MMIP cases: 

Outreach and Education – Building relationships with the community helps foster trust and legitimacy. 

It is important to educate the community on how and when to notify the police when someone goes 

missing, as well as the capabilities of the department. Tribal agencies use a variety of methods to 

conduct outreach and education, including: 

• National Night Out 

• Outreach to seniors 

• Delivering goods to communities in need (e.g., distributing masks during COVID, delivering food) 

• Building partnerships with other community organizations (e.g., health care, social services) 

Immediate Response and Coordination – When a person is reported missing or a Tribe requests 

assistance in locating a missing person, agencies should immediately respond and coordinate with 

neighboring tribes and other law enforcement agencies. Valuable evidence may be lost if there is a delay 

in response. It is critical that agencies build relationships and coordinate with other Tribal departments 

and neighboring jurisdictions in order to pool resources and work effectively and efficiently. 

Building Organizational Capacity – Tribal law enforcement agencies can increase organizational capacity 

and legitimacy by developing clear policies and procedures and improving hiring and retention practices. 

However, feels like tribal nations are scrutinized when applying for grants, but helpful when grant 

reviewers come and visit and see the communities in person. 

Use of Drones – Some agencies use drones to search for missing persons. Drones are helpful in locating 

missing persons, especially in remote areas, because they can be equipped with sensors to detect heat 

as well as cameras to provide visual access in difficult to reach terrain. 

Tracking System – The White Earth Tribal Nation’s Conservation Department includes several officers

with training and expertise in tracking missing persons. Conservation officers have assisted Tribal law 

enforcement with several cold cases and missing persons cases. 

Model Protocols and Procedures 

Discussion Dates: July 28-30, 2020 

Facilitators: 

Ernie Weyand, MMIP Program Coordinator for the District of Montana 

Algin Young, Associate Director, BIA OJS 

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The second set of discussions focused on model protocols and procedures to address MMIP cases. 

Participants were asked a series of questions regarding this topic. Their answers are summarized below. 

Missing Person Policies and Protocols 

The majority of agencies that participated in the discussions reported following established policies and 

procedures when someone is reported missing. Several agencies reported using policies developed by 

Lexipol or model protocols developed by BIA OJS. According to participants, one of the benefits of using 

Lexipol is that the policies are automatically updated if there are changes to relevant laws. 

Those agencies with detailed policies and procedures often have accompanying checklists and step-bystep instructions to guide the responding officer throughout the entire investigation process. These 

procedures typically cover the roles and requirements of law enforcement personnel involved in the 

investigative process, such as required documentation and notifications, the various classifications of 

missing persons (e.g., juvenile, adult, endangered), and the reunification process. In one jurisdiction, 

their policy covers them up to the 30-day mark, at which time the local sheriff’s department’s homicide 

unit takes over the investigation. 

Some agencies also have policies governing search and rescue incidents in lieu of (or in addition to) 

policies and procedures regarding MMIP cases. Other agencies have established general orders 

regarding MMIP cases, but not specific procedures to follow when someone is reported missing. 

Agencies without established policies and procedures for MMIP cases work closely with neighboring 

jurisdictions and local search and rescue teams when someone is reported missing. 

Coordination with Other Agencies 

Participants indicated that they coordinate with other agencies to varying degrees when responding to 

an MMIP case. Some agencies have established task forces, MOUs, and cross-deputization with other 

agencies to coordinate their response. Cooperation and coordination with other agencies allow for the 

sharing of equipment (e.g., all-terrain vehicles) between agencies, which can be especially helpful for 

smaller agencies with limited resources. The types of agencies that Tribal police departments coordinate 

with vary, but generally include: 

• Neighboring law enforcement agencies (e.g., municipal police agencies, sheriff’s office, state 

police, Tribal police, university police, state wildlife and natural resources police) 

• Specialized law enforcement units (e.g., mounted/posse units, canine teams, marine units, 

drone units, airborne units, dive teams) 

• Tribal/local fire department 

• Tribal/local emergency management agency 

• Local search and rescue team 

• Federal agencies (e.g., FBI, BIA, DHS, U.S. Coast Guard) 

• Fusion centers 

• Behavioral and social services (e.g., social workers, victim services, crisis response) 

Some agencies that have established multidisciplinary task forces include a Child Abduction Response 

Team (CART), which brings together individuals with expertise in responding to endangered, missing, or 

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abducted children. Some agencies also work closely with social workers and crisis response teams, 

which can facilitate initial reporting and information sharing throughout the investigation. 

Several agencies also rely on the FBI to lead the investigation for MMIP cases and other major crimes or 

for assistance in investigating those cases. For example, one Tribe attempted to serve a search warrant 

on Snapchat, but the company did not recognize the Tribal police department as having proper authority 

to preserve evidence. The FBI intervened and was able to submit letters to obtain the evidence 

requested. did not recognize it as a state document 

In Alaska, all search and rescues missions fall under Alaska State Troopers, but some villages also 

participate in a Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) Program. When a person is reported missing, the 

VPSO will take the initial report using a checklist and form developed by the Alaska Department of Public 

Safety (DPS). The information is then submitted to DPS and entered into NCIC. Alaska State Troopers will 

conduct an initial search for the first 3-5 days, but then will turn it over to community volunteer groups 

to continue the search. 

Coordination with Community Groups 

A majority of the participants also indicated that they work with volunteers and community-based 

organizations. For example, the types of community-based organizations may include: 

• Local Red Cross chapter 

• Salvation Army 

• PeaceKeepers (a local domestic violence organization) 

• Addiction and treatment programs 

• Caring Hearts (an organization that raises funds for community members in need) 

• Houses of worship 

• Local horseback riding groups 

One tribe reported that they coordinate with the National Child Identification Program to provide inhome kits to everyone on the reservation. These ID kits allow parents to take fingerprints and DNA 

samples of their children in case they are ever reported missing. 

Volunteers can be great resources, but it is imperative that tribal police agencies understand how best 

to use volunteer services and how to coordinate efforts. Strong communication and having “boots on 

the ground” is key to building effective relationships with volunteers. 

Most Important Factors When Responding to a Missing Person Case 

Participants were asked to identify the most important factors in a proper response to a missing person 

case, including: 

• Timely Initial Report 

• Police Response 

• Police Investigation, Assessment and Classification 

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• Introduction of Outside/Specialized resources (FBI, State Police, Local Assistance, etc.) 

• Community Response/Action 

• Coordinated Multidisciplinary Response 

• Communication/Community Messaging 

• Reunification/Follow-up 

Most participants indicated that the first three factors listed above were the most critical when 

responding to a report of a missing person and set the stage for the remainder of the investigation: 1) 

timely initial report; 2) police response; and 3) police investigation, assessment, and classification. 

Timeliness 

The timeliness of the initial report is critical to understanding if the missing person is at risk (e.g., a 

mental health condition, on prescription medication). Families often wait a long time before calling to 

report their loved one missing. There is a misconception that a person needs to wait a certain number of 

hours before reporting someone missing. To address this mistaken belief, many agencies try to educate 

community members on the importance of timely reporting. For example, agencies post important 

messages on social media, in community newsletters, at community meetings. To ensure the safety of 

children, inform parents, grandparents, and others with custodial responsibility to report incidents of 

runaways and missing persons to the proper law enforcement agency right away (and not simply via a 

social media post). As one tribal police chief stated, he would rather respond to 100 unfounded calls 

than to have someone wait to make a report when it was a genuine emergency. It is also important to 

educate the community about the dangers of human trafficking and how to identify and prevent sex and 

labor trafficking. 

Police Response 

An immediate police response is vital to ensure that essential information is not lost and that all 

available resources are employed as soon as possible. If the missing individual is determined to be at 

risk, it is imperative to immediately inform surrounding agencies and the community. This includes 

entering the missing person into federal, state, and local databases and issuing an Amber Alert (if 

necessary) or other emergency alert notification (e.g., Nixle). Participants also stressed the importance 

of assigning the missing persons case to an officer or detective who can continue the necessary followup until the person is found or the case is otherwise resolved. 

Police Investigation, Assessment, and Classification 

Assessment and classification are an undervalued part of the investigation process. Classification 

dictates whether to introduce outside resources and how the incident is messaged to—and perceived 

by—the community and other agencies. For example, a case involving a missing juvenile who is 

identified as a runaway will be handled differently than someone labeled as at-risk. 

It is important to differentiate between a missing person and a runaway. In one community, a ward of 

the state who goes missing would be classified as a missing person, whereas a juvenile still in their 

parents’ custody who goes missing would be classified as a runaway. 

To help correctly classify a missing person and determine whether the person is at-risk, agencies should 

use a checklist and conduct a thorough interview of the reporting party (typically a family member or 

friend). Some of the factors used to determine whether the missing person is endangered include: 

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• Age (e.g., under 13 or elderly) 

• Mental health concerns 

• Developmental disabilities 

• Taking medication 

• Health concerns (e.g., on medication, Alzheimer’s)

Some Tribal agencies will assign a civilian investigator to follow up on missing juveniles and runaways 

after the department’s initial response. Tribal social services may also respond to cases involving 

children. 

Introduction of Outside/Specialized Resources 

Participants routinely involve the FBI and state-level counterparts (e.g., Minnesota Bureau of Criminal 

Apprehension) in missing persons investigations. Depending on their location, some tribes also involve 

the BIA, U.S. Coastguard, DHS, CBP, and other federal agencies. The level of involvement varies 

depending on the nature of the incident, the size and available resources of the Tribal agency, and the 

specific assistance needed. 

One tribe has an agreement with the University of Notre Dame’s Cyber Crimes Unit, which allows 

students to assist police with technology crimes. 

Community Response/Action 

Tribal agencies use a variety of methods and resources to engage the community and request assistance 

with missing persons. For example, some Tribes employ a public information officer (PIO) in their 

communications department. The PIO can share information with the public via social media and news 

media. In one jurisdiction, the PIO’s tasks are outlined in the Tribe’s emergency operations plan. Some 

Tribes also use a smartphone app and a dedicated community youth channel to engage with the public. 

It is essential to work with volunteers and community members when investigating missing person cases 

because they may be more familiar with the geographic area they are searching. Hosting and attending 

community events also helps Tribal police get to know members of the community, which can build 

trust and make residents feel more comfortable reporting incidents. 

Coordinated Multidisciplinary Response 

When a person is reported missing, it is essential that the lead agency coordinate a multidisciplinary 

response and involve surrounding agencies, volunteer services, and the community. As noted above, 

most Tribal police departments coordinate with a variety of other agencies, disciplines, and community 

organizations. 

Communication/Community Messaging 

It is imperative that information about a missing person is disseminated quickly to the community so 

area citizens can serve as additional “eyes and ears.” When communicating with the public, it is also 

important to show empathy and concern in order to build and maintain the trust of community 

members. Community members occasionally know more than the police because members of the 

community will talk to each other before reporting incidents to police. 

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As noted above, Tribal agencies use social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), community notification 

systems (e.g., Nixle), and Amber Alerts to notify the community. One agency that uses an emergency 

alert system automatically inputs all Tribal employees into the system (Tribal community members need 

to opt in to receive these alerts). Depending on the size of the Tribe and community, some Tribes will 

operate their own Facebook page in addition to a Tribal police department Facebook page. Some Tribes 

use a PIO or spokesperson to share information with the public and the news media. 

Tribes also communicate with the public through more traditional means, such as billboards, mobile 

message boards, and handing out flyers. One tribe uses its casino sign along the roadway to post 

emergency messages. 

Social media can also be used as an investigative tool to determine the location of a missing person or 

intended destination. 

Reunification/Follow-up 

The reunification process varies from Tribe to Tribe. Some Tribal police agencies have policies that 

dictate what steps to take during the reunification process. Other agencies do not have detailed policies 

that reunification. Agencies may also use family advocates or a victim services unit to facilitate the 

reunification process. When a missing person is reunited with their family, it is important to remove that 

person’s missing person record from NCIC so police will not stop them later based on the NCIC hit. It is

also important for police to address the underlying issues that led to the person running away or being 

reported missing in the first place. For example, police should consider factors that may involve 

domestic abuse or human trafficking. Tribal police should be transparent with families throughout the 

investigation. 

Participants cited other important aspects of a proper response to a missing person case, such as: 

showing compassion for the families involved, understanding the family dynamics, and knowing your 

community. It is imperative that officers demonstrate to the family that they are committed to 

investigating the case and will provide timely updates as the case progresses. One participant indicated 

that he provides his phone number to community members and encourages them to call him anytime. 

Training 

Participants were asked what specialized training would help their department become more effective 

in investigating missing persons cases. Participants also discussed what resources are needed to address 

long-term unsolved missing persons case and homicide investigations. While some participants 

indicated that web-based training would be preferable (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic), other 

participants indicated that in-person training would be more appropriate for certain topics and 

audiences. It is also important that training is based regionally in order to understand the unique 

challenges and requirements of a specific geographic area. 

Specialized Training 

Participants cited the need for specialized training in the following subject areas (presented in 

alphabetical order): 

• Child Abduction Response Team (CART) – Several participants had received CART training 

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• Cold case investigations – There are several resources available for police agencies interested in 

improving or implementing a cold case investigations unit including this report from the 2 National Institute of Justice. 

• Communication and interpersonal skills – Having a basic understanding and mastery of 

communication and interpersonal skills is essential for police officers when interacting with the 

public. 

• Database Training – Participants requested training on how to access and use certain 

federal/state/local databases (e.g., NCIC) and alert systems (e.g., Amber Alerts). 

o The Amber Advocate offers Amber Alert training for Indian Country. 

• Digital evidence – Criminal investigations and the work of police have changed with the advent 

of technology. 

3 There are numerous resources and training available to educate police on how 

to conduct high-tech investigations. For example: 

o The FBI’s National Domestic Communications Assistance Center provides training to law 

enforcement agencies on emerging technologies. These services are available to 

registered law enforcement agencies. To register and access the law enforcement 

portal, visit the NDCAC website and click on the “LE Portal” tab. 

o SEARCH, the National Consortium for Justice and Information and Statistics. 

o The U.S. Secret Service runs the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) in 

Alabama, which provides free training on digital forensics. 

o The Law Enforcement Cyber Center, which is managed by BJA, includes a webpage to 

search for available training. 

• Dive training for emergency responders – Police divers can receive training through 

organizations such as the National Academy of Police Diving (NAPD). 

• Homicide investigations – PERF’s 2018 publication, Promising Strategies for Strengthening 

Homicide Investigations, provides a comprehensive list of best practices and recommendations 

for conducting homicide investigations. This report is based on the Bureau of Justice 

Assistance’s Homicide Investigations Enhancement Training and Technical Assistance Project. 

• Human tracking (also known as man tracking) - ICE Shadow Wolves, who track and apprehend 

drug smugglers, may be a resource for man tracking training. 

2 National Best Practices for Implementing and Sustaining a Cold Case Investigation Unit, U.S. Department of 

Justice, National Institute of Justice. https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/252016.pdf. 3 The Changing Nature of Crime and Criminal Investigations (2018). Police Executive Research Forum, Washington, 

D.C., https://www.policeforum.org/assets/ChangingNatureofCrime.pdf. 

14 
 

 

• Human trafficking – PERF’s recent publication, How Local Police Can Combat the Global Problem 

of Human Trafficking, provides resources and recommendations on how to improve human 

trafficking investigations.4 

• IACP-sponsored training – Participants recommended that Tribal Nations become a member of 

IACP and attend IACP-sponsored training. 

• Incident Command System (ICS) Training – The Federal Emergency management Agency’s

(FEMA) Emergency Management Institute offers basic training on the National Incident 

Management System (NIMS), including how to establish a unified command when responding to 

a multi-agency incident (e.g., roles and responsibilities of responding agencies). 

• Investigations training – State-level law enforcement academies generally offer basic 

investigations training for patrol officers and advanced investigations training for detectives. 

Private vendors also offer this type of training. The FBI’s Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal 

(LEEP) provides police agencies with web-based investigative tools. 

• Lost/missing person incident training –The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 

(NCMEC) provides training and technical assistance to public safety agencies, including how to 

respond to and manage a lost/missing persons case. 

• Model Protocols – A library of model protocols and procedures, including sample checklists and 

procedures, would be helpful for Tribal police agencies. 

• Search and rescue training – Search and rescue training is available through the National 

Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR). 

Barriers to Training 

Participants cited numerous barriers to training, including: 

• The lack of knowledge on available training. 

• The cost of training. Hosting training can defer some costs. 

• The location of training and inability or difficulty of traveling. In Alaska, for example, many 

communities are only reachable by plane or boat. Web-based training is helpful but may not 

work for certain audiences and subject matter. 

• A lack of manpower to ensure adequate staffing while away for training. 

• A lack of a high number of missing persons or homicide cases to justify specialized training. 

• Having computers that are compliant with the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) 

policies. 

4 How Local Police Can Combat the Global Problem of Human Trafficking: Collaboration, Training, Support for 

Victims, and Technology Are Keys to Success (2020). Police Executive Research Forum, Washington, D.C., 

https://www.policeforum.org/assets/CombatHumanTrafficking.pdf. 

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42020.pdf gust_OLJ_Handout.pdf

 

National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs) 

Discussion Dates: August 4 & 6, 2020 

Presenter: B.J. Spamer, Director of NamUs 

This presentation provided an overview of NamUs and how tribal law enforcement can utilize the 

clearinghouse and resource center.5 By bringing people, information, forensic science, and technology 

together, NamUs helps resolve missing, unidentified, and unclaimed person cases nationwide, while 

providing support to victims and their families. 

Trauma-Informed Victim Services 

Discussion Dates: August 11 & 12, 2020 

Presenters (August 11): Linda Bearcrane Couture, Erin Harris, Michele Stewart 

Presenters (August 12): Arlene Armijo, Alethea Beall, Carla Romero 

This session featured Victim Specialists from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation. The purpose of this session was to increase tribal law enforcement understanding of 

victim needs and working with families in missing person cases in American Indian and Alaska Native 

communities, as well as incorporating victim services into law enforcement response plans.6 

5 Participants were emailed a copy of this PowerPoint presentation. 

6 Participants were emailed a copy of this PowerPoint presentation. 

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Appendix A – Discussion Participants 

Discussion 1: The Challenges of Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska 

Natives in Your Community 

Dates: July 21-23, 2020 

July 21 Session 

Tim Addleman 

Chief 

Umatilla (OR) Tribal Police Department 

Rudy Mora 

Chief 

Laguna (MN) Police Department 

Robert Bryant 

Director of Public Safety 

Penobscot Nation (ME) 

Jolanda Murphy 

Director of Public Safety 

Grand Traverse (MI) Band of Indians 

Patti Buhl 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Oklahoma 

James Owens 

Chief 

Las Vegas Paiute (NV) Tribal Police 

Ingrid Cumberlidge 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Alaska 

Chris Parsons 

Chief 

Pyramid Lake (NV) Police Department 

Robert Ecoffey Jon Priem 

Chief Chief 

Oglala Sioux (SD) Tribe Department of Public Prairie Island (MN) Tribal Police 

Safety 

Marcia Good Rick Rabenort 

Executive Director Chief 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish (MI) Band of 

Pottawatomi 

Aucha Kameroff 

Director of Public Safety 

Northwest Arctic Borough (AK) 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Nevada 

Scott LaFevre 

Chief 

Coquille Indian (OR) Tribal Police 

Brian Speelman 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Utah 

Malcolm Lewis 

Executive Director 

Tohono O'odham Nation (AZ) 

Tanya Vold 

Program Manager 

White Earth Nation (MN) 

Joseph Lovato 

Chief 

Santa Clara (MN) Tribal Police Department 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

William Lux 

Chief 

Pokagon (MI) Band of Potawatomi Indians 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Matt Lysakowski Jason Wilson 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs Public Safety Manager 

COPS Office, DOJ Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian 

Tribes of Alaska 

17 
 

July 21 Session 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Theresa Wisner-Lee 

Investigator 

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse (OK) Police 

Robert Martinez 

Chief 

Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo (TX) Tribal Police 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

Jake McKnight 

Chief 

Grand Ronde (OR) Tribal Police Department 

July 22 Session 

Denise Bodin 

Officer 

Chitimacha (LA) Tribe Police 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

COPS Office, DOJ 

Christopher Boeckers 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Minnesota 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Jasper Bruner 

Chief 

Makah Tribe (WA) 

Phil Mata 

Detective Sergeant 

Saginaw Chippewa (MI) Tribal Police Department 

Timothy Chavez 

Chief 

Gila River (AZ) Police Department 

Adam McGeshick 

Chief Conservation Warden 

Great Lakes (WI) Indian Fish & Wildlife 

Commission 

Nick Diedrich 

Detective Sergeant 

Saginaw Chippewa (MI) Tribal Police Department 

Richard Nacotee 

Interim Chief 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

Darrel Hildebrand 

VSPO Coordinator 

Tanana Chiefs Conference (AK) 

Matthew Rourke 

Chief 

Saint Regis Mohawk (NY) Tribal Police 

Hal Hutchinson 

Chief 

Chitimacha (LA) Tribe Police 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Glenn Johnston 

Chief 

Wyandotte (OK) Tribal/Municipal Police 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Michael LaRoque 

Chief 

White Earth (MN) Tribal Police Department 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

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July 22 Session 

Bruce Lee 

Chief 

Poarch Creek (AL) Band of Indians 

July 23 Session 

David Crockett 

Captain 

Grand Traverse (MI) Band of Indians 

Jacob Molitor 

Chief 

Meskwaki Nation (IA) Police Department 

Bill Denke 

Chief 

Sycuan (CA) Department of Public Safety 

Joel Postma 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Michigan 

Tom Gonzales 

Acting Chief 

Fort McDowell (AZ) Police Department 

Brian Pottratz 

Investigator 

Leech Lake (MN) Tribal Police Department 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

Bruce Janes 

Chief 

Metlakatla (AK) Indian Community 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

COPS Office, DOJ 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

Andrew Merrill 

Captain 

Alaska Department of Public Safety 

Discussion 2: Model Protocols and Procedures 

Dates: July 28-30, 2020 

July 28 Session 

Tim Addleman 

Chief 

Umatilla (OR) Tribal Police Department 

James Owens 

Chief 

Las Vegas Paiute (NV) Tribal Police 

Ingrid Cumberlidge 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Alaska 

Chris Parsons 

Chief 

Pyramid Lake (NV) Police Department 

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July 28 Session 

Robert Ecoffey Joel Postma 

Chief MMIP Coordinator 

Oglala Sioux Tribe (SD) Department of Public US Attorney's Office-Michigan 

Safety 

Marcia Good Rick Rabenort 

Executive Director Chief 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish (MI) Band of 

Pottawatomi 

Scott LaFevre 

Chief 

Coquille Indian (OR) Tribal Police 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

Malcolm Lewis 

Executive Director 

Tohono O'odham Nation (AZ) 

Matthew Rourke 

Chief 

Saint Regis Mohawk (NY) Tribal Police 

Joseph Lovato 

Chief 

Santa Clara (NM) Tribal Police Department 

Brian Speelman 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Utah 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

COPS Office, DOJ 

Tanya Vold 

Program Manager 

White Earth Nation (MN) 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Jake McKnight Jason Wilson 

Chief Public Safety Manager 

Grand Ronde (OR) Tribal Police Department Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian 

Tribes of Alaska 

Andrew Merrill 

Captain 

Alaska Department of Public Safety 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Rudy Mora 

Chief 

Laguna (MN) Police Department 

Theresa Wisner-Lee 

Investigator 

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse (OK) Police 

Jolanda Murphy 

Director of Public Safety 

Grand Traverse (MI) Band of Indians 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

July 29 Session 

Christopher Boeckers 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Minnesota 

WilliamLux 

Chief 

Pokagon (MI) Band of Potawatomi Indians 

Robert Bryant 

Director of Public Safety 

Penobscot Nation (ME) 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services 

20 
 

 

July 29 Session 

Timothy Chavez 

Chief 

Gila River (AZ) Police Department 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ 

Richard Nacotee 

Interim Chief 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Darrell Hildebrand 

VSPO Coordinator 

Tanana Chiefs Conference (AK) 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

Hal Hutchinson 

Chief 

Chitimacha (LA) Tribe Police 

Tamatha Villar 

Commander 

Gila River (AZ) Police Department 

Bruce Janes 

Chief 

Metlakatla (AK) Indian Community 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Glenn Johnston 

Chief 

Wyandotte (OK) Tribal/Municipal Police 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Michael LaRoque 

Chief 

White Earth (MN) Tribal Police Department 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

Bruce Lee 

Chief 

Poarch Creek (AL) Band of Indians 

July 30 

Patti Buhl 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oklahoma 

Phil Mata 

Detective Sergeant 

Saginaw Chippewa (MI) Tribal Police Department 

Scott Craig 

Captain 

Cherokee Nation (OK) Marshal Service 

Adam McGeshick 

Chief Conservation Warden 

Great Lakes (WI) Indian Fish & Wildlife 

Commission 

David Crockett 

Captain 

Grand Traverse (MI) Band of Indians 

Jacob Molitor 

Chief 

Meskwaki Nation (IA) Police Department 

Bill Denke 

Chief 

Sycuan (CA) Department of Public Safety 

Brian Pottratz 

Investigator 

Leech Lake (MN) Tribal Police Department 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ 

Jon Priem 

Chief 

Prairie Island (MN) Tribal Police 

Tom Gonzales 

Acting Chief 

Fort McDowell (AZ) Police Department 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

21 
 

July 30 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

COPS Office, DOJ 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Robert Martinez 

Chief 

Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo (TX) Tribal Police 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

Discussion 3: National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs) 

Dates: August 4 and 6, 2020 

August 4 Session 

Patti Buhl 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oklahoma 

Jolanda Murphy 

Director of Public Safety 

Grand Traverse (MI) Band of Indians 

Timothy Chavez 

Chief 

Gila River (AZ) Police Department 

Richard Nacotee 

Interim Chief 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Scott Craig 

Captain 

Cherokee Nation (OK) Marshal Service 

Todd Otradovec 

Lead Detective 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Ingrid Cumberlidge 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Alaska 

James Owens 

Chief 

Las Vegas Paiute (NV) Tribal Police 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ 

Chris Parsons 

Chief 

Pyramid Lake (NV) Police Department 

Darrell Hildebrand 

VSPO Coordinator 

Tanana Chiefs Conference (AK) 

Joel Postma 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Michigan 

Bruce Janes Rick Rabenort 

Chief Chief 

Metlakatla (AK) Indian Community Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish (MI) Band of 

Pottawatomi 

Scott LaFevre Tracy Reynolds 

Chief Investigator 

Coquille Indian (OR) Tribal Police Wyandotte National (OK) Tribal Police 

Department 

Michael LaRoque 

Chief 

White Earth (MN) Tribal Police Department 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

22 
 

 

 

August 4 Session 

Malcolm Lewis 

Executive Director 

Tohono O'odham Nation (AZ) 

B.J. Spamer 

Executive Director 

NamUs Operations 

Joseph Lovato 

Chief 

Santa Clara (NM) Tribal Police Department 

Brian Speelman 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Utah 

William Lux 

Chief 

Pokagon (MI) Band of Potawatomi Indians 

Tamatha Villar 

Commander 

Gila River (AZ) Police Department 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

COPS Office, DOJ 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Adam McGeshick 

Chief Conservation Warden 

Great Lakes (WI) Indian Fish & Wildlife 

Commission 

Jason Wilson 

Public Safety Manager 

Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian 

Tribes of Alaska 

Andrew Merrill 

Captain 

Alaska Department of Public Safety 

Theresa Wisner-Lee 

Investigator 

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse (OK) Police 

Rudy Mora 

Chief 

Laguna (NM) Police Department 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

August 6 Session 

Tim Addleman 

Chief 

Umatilla (OR) Tribal Police Department 

Phil Mata 

Detective Sergeant 

Saginaw Chippewa (MI) Tribal Police Department 

Christopher Boeckers 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Minnesota 

Jacob Molitor 

Chief 

Meskwaki Nation (IA) Police Department 

Robert Bryant 

Director of Public Safety 

Penobscot Nation (ME) 

Brian Pottratz 

Investigator 

Leech Lake (MN) Tribal Police Department 

David Crockett 

Captain 

Grand Traverse (MI) Band of Indians 

Jon Priem 

Chief 

Prairie Island (MN) Tribal Police 

Bill Denke 

Chief 

Sycuan (CA) Department of Public Safety 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ 

Matthew Rourke 

Chief 

Saint Regis Mohawk (NY) Tribal Police 

23 
 

 

 

 

August 6 Session 

Tom Gonzales 

Acting Chief 

Fort McDowell (AZ) Police Department 

B.J. Spamer 

Executive Director 

NamUs Operations 

Hal Hutchinson 

Chief 

Chitimacha (LA) Tribe Police 

Karonienhawi Thomas 

Detective Sergeant 

Saint Regis Mohawk (NY) Tribal Police 

Kristi Johnston 

Crime Victim Advocate 

Wyandotte Nation (OK) Tribal Police Department 

Steve Webb 

Detective 

Sycuan (CA) Department of Public Safety 

Bruce Lee 

Chief 

Poarch Creek (AL) Band of Indians 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

COPS Office, DOJ 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

Robert Martinez 

Chief 

Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo (TX) Tribal Police 

Discussion 4: Trauma-Informed Victim Services 

August 11 and 12, 2020 

August 11 Session 

Anne Basham 

Senior Advisor 

Office of Justice Programs, DOJ 

Richard Nacotee 

Interim Chief 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Scott Craig 

Captain 

Cherokee Nation (OK) Marshal Service 

Larissa O'Kimosh 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Bill Denke 

Chief 

Sycuan (CA) Department of Public Safety 

James Owens 

Chief 

Las Vegas Paiute (NV) Tribal Police 

Kristen DiMauro 

Investigator 

Mashantucket Pequot (CT) Tribal Police 

Chris Parsons 

Chief 

Pyramid Lake (NV) Police Department 

Felicia Gatz 

Office Manager 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Joel Postma 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Michigan 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ 

Jon Priem 

Chief 

Prairie Island (MN) Tribal Police 

24 
 

 

 

August 11 Session 

Hal Hutchinson 

Chief 

Chitimacha (LA) Tribe Police 

Rick Rabenort 

Chief 

Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish (MI) Band of 

Pottawatomi 

Kristi Johnston 

Crime Victim Advocate 

Wyandotte (OK) Police Department 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

Scott LaFevre 

Chief 

Coquille Indian (OR) Tribal Police 

Matthew Rourke 

Chief 

Saint Regis Mohawk (NY) Tribal Police 

Malcolm Lewis 

Executive Director 

Tohono O'odham Nation (AZ) 

Brian Speelman 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Utah 

Joseph Lovato 

Chief 

Santa Clara (NM) Tribal Police Department 

Karonienhawi Thomas 

Detective Sergeant 

Saint Regis Mohawk (NY) Tribal Police 

William Lux 

Chief 

Pokagon (MI) Band of Potawatomi Indians 

Tanya Vold 

Program Manager 

White Earth Nation (MN) 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

COPS Office, DOJ 

Candace Waupekenay 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Lisa Mantel 

Deputy Director of Technical Assistance 

Police Executive Research Forum 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Adam McGeshick 

Chief Conservation Warden 

Great Lakes (WI) Indian Fish & Wildlife 

Commission 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Jake McKnight 

Chief 

Grand Ronde (OR) Tribal Police Department 

Jason Wilson 

Public Safety Manager 

Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian 

Tribes of Alaska 

Andrew Merrill 

Captain 

Alaska Department of Public Safety 

Theresa Wisner-Lee 

Investigator 

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse (OK) Police 

Rudy Mora 

Chief 

Laguna (NM) Police Department 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

Mario Munoz 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Lacey Zarda 

Menominee (WI) Tribal Police Department 

Jolanda Murphy 

Director of Public Safety 

Grand Traverse MI) Band of Indians 

25 
 

 

August 12 Session 

Tim Addleman 

Chief 

Umatilla (OR) Tribal Police Department 

Michael LaRoque 

Chief 

White Earth (MN) Police Department 

Christopher Boeckers 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Minnesota 

Bruce Lee 

Chief 

Poarch Creek (AL) Band of Indians 

Robert Bryant 

Director of Public Safety 

Penobscot Nation (ME) 

Matt Lysakowski 

Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs 

COPS Office, DOJ 

Patti Buhl 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oklahoma 

Robert Martinez 

Chief 

Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo (TX) Tribal Police 

Timothy Chavez 

Chief 

Gila River (AZ) Police Department 

Phil Mata 

Detective Sergeant 

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal (MI) Police Department 

David Crockett 

Captain 

Grand Traverse (MI) Band of Indians 

Brian Pottratz 

Investigator 

Leech Lake (MN) Tribal Police Department 

Ingrid Cumberlidge 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Alaska 

Thomas Ross 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Nevada 

Marcia Good 

Executive Director 

Office of Tribal Justice, DOJ 

Tamatha Villar 

Commander 

Gila River (AZ) Police Department 

Tom Gonzales 

Acting Chief 

Fort McDowell (AZ) Police Department 

Ernie Weyand 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney’s Office-Montana 

Darrell Hildebrand 

VSPO Coordinator 

Tanana Chiefs Conference (AK) 

Cedar Wilkie Gillette 

MMIP Coordinator 

US Attorney's Office-Oregon 

Bruce Janes 

Chief 

Metlakatla (AK) Indian Community 

Algin Young 

Associate Director 

Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services 

26 
 

 

 

 

Appendix E – Operation Lady Justice Fact Sheets Listing 

Fact sheets posted on the Operation Lady Justice Website include: 

1. Accomplishments of Operation Lady Justice 

2. AMBER Alert in Indian Country Fact Sheet 

3. Cold Cases: You Are Not Forgotten 

4. Combating Human Trafficking in American Indian & Alaska Native (AI/AN) 

Communities 

5. Communities of Interest Fact Sheet 

6. Comparing the NamUs and NCIC databases Fact Sheet 

7. Emergency Alerts for Missing Persons Fact Sheet 

8. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program Fact Sheet 

9. JusticeConnect Fact Sheet 

10. Missing Person Clearinghouses Fact Sheet 

11. NamUs Fact Sheet 

12. NamUs Organizational Structure Fact Sheet 

13. NamUs Resources to Resolve Missing, Unidentified and Unclaimed person cases Fact 

Sheet 

14. National Ashanti Alert Network Fact Sheet 

15. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) Fact Sheet 

16. National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File Fact Sheet 

17. Overview of Operation Lady Justice 

18. Partner Task Forces and Commissions Fact Sheet 

19. Tribal and State Task Forces and Efforts to Address Missing or Murdered American 

Indians and Alaska Natives Fact Sheet 

20. Tribal Coalitions Fact Sheet 

21. Tribal Community Response When a Person Is Missing: A Toolkit for Action Fact Sheet 

22. Victim Centered, Trauma Informed, Culturally Appropriate Services in AI/AN Missing 

Persons Cases 

23. Victim Services Fact Sheet 

24. Volunteer Engagement for American Indian and Alaska Native Missing Persons Cases 

25. You Are Not Alone Resources for Native Communities facing the crisis of Missing and 

Murdered Native Americans Fact Sheet 

Fact sheets in development: 

1. Scope of Problem/Data Accuracy 

2. Attorney General’s (AG) Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Plan (MMIP) 

3. Tribal Advisory Groups for Federal Agencies 

4. Funding Sources 

5. Protocols 

6. Summary of Report to the President 

7. DNA Data and Systems 

8. Working with Law Enforcement on Missing or Murdered American Indian and Alaska 

Native Cases 

9. Family Response When a Person Is Missing 

10. Amber Alert Criteria in Each State