An official website of the United States government "Here is how you know"


Official websites use.gov  .gov
 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 
	A lock https:


Menu
        ABOUTDirector's Corner
Contact COPS
Community Policing in Action: Photo Contest
The L. Anthony Sutin Award for Innovative Law Enforcement and Community Partnerships
Photo Galleries
Subscribe
NEWSPress Releases
Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety
GRANTSSolicitation Finder
Funding Opportunities
How To Apply
Grants Deadlines and Announcement Dates
Compliance and Reporting
Program Documents
Grantee Success Stories
Award Announcement Map
RESOURCESCritical Incident Review: Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX
National Blue Alert Network
Resource Center/Publications
E-Newsletter: Community Policing Dispatch
Podcast Series: The Beat
Video Series: What’s New in Blue
Tribal Community Policing Resources
Community Policing Topics
Community Violence Intervention
Addressing Human TraffickingLabor Trafficking
Recruitment, Hiring & Retention
Filing a Civil Rights Complaint
TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCECollaborative Reform InitiativeCRI-TAC
Critical Response
Organizational Assessments
COPS Training Portal
Training
ACCOUNT ACCESS
 Search form
    Search




Tribal Community Policing Resources                    
		                                The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) provides resources and training and technical assistance (TTA) to further practical and specialized knowledge used to implement and enhance justice system efforts, particularly in the law enforcement field. The COPS Office supports resources and TTA that is not only specifically geared toward tribes but also generally applies across broader topic areas such as community policing, drugs, gangs, and youth safety, among others.

On this page you’ll find a variety of resources and courses the COPS Office offers for tribal law enforcement. These resources are constantly being updated and added to so please check back often.
 

TRIBAL ACCESS PROGRAM (TAP): CLOSED
    

The FY23 Tribal Access Program (TAP) was open and accepting applications from July 3, 2023, until September 1, 2023.
 

Download the Brochure

Visit the TAP Website

FY23 Application Information

**Tribal Resources Grant Program**
Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

Enables Tribes, Alaska Native villages, and Tribal consortia to **submit a single application** for eight of the Department of Justice’s competitive grant programs (additional information and helpful resources)CTAS Purpose Area #1: Tribal Resources Grant Program

Expands the implementation of **community policing** and meets the most serious needs of law enforcement in Tribal Nations
	**Hire or re-hire** career law enforcement officers and Village Public Safety Officers
	**Procure basic equipment and training** to assist in the initiation or enhancement of Tribal community policing effortsClick Here for Grant Information

Tribal MOU/MOA
Sample Resource Library

This library is designed to provide users with the resources they need to research and successfully draft memorandums of understanding (MOU) and memorandums of agreement (MOA). MOUs and MOAs will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases and provide a wide range of other related opportunities for collaboration.

**Tribal MOA/MOU Sample Resource Library**
 

Training and Technical Assistance




**Volunteer Engagement for American Indian and Alaska Native Missing Person Cases**

Course Provider: IACP

Click Here

**Effective Multi-Jurisdictional Collaboration in Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Cases**

Course Provider: Western Community Policing Institute (WCPI)

Click Here

Click Here

Click Here
	
	

**Public Law 280 Training Program for Enhanced Collaborative Law Enforcement**

Course Provider: Strategic Applications International

Click Here

**Tribal Oriented Policing Strategies Online Training Program**

Course Provider: National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College

Click Here

Click Here

Click Here

Dispatch Articles

Prosecuting Sex Trafficking Crimes in Indian Country
December 2023

The COPS Office’s FY23 Funding Grants Include Awards to 59 Tribal Nations
December 2023

Alaska Natives Develop a Grass Roots Solution to a Serious Crime Problem
December 2023

Accreditation for Tribal Law Enforcement: Voices from the Field
December 2023

A Tribal Police Peer Support Team
October 2023

Restoring Public Safety in the Catawba Nation
January 2023

The COPS Office’s FY22 Funding Grants Include Awards to 52 Tribal Nations
November 2022

Klamath Tribes Establish New Department to Reclaim Role in Public Safety
July 2022

Minnesota Anti-Heroin Task Force Places High Value on Partnerships with Tribal Law Enforcement
June 2019

Expanding Tribal Law Enforcement Power to Increase Public Safety in Alabama
May 2019

CTAS in Action: Nebraska and Kansas-based Native American Police Use DOJ Grant to Upgrade Technology, Improve Public Safety
May 2019

Raising Tipis and Solving Crimes: The Nez Perce Indian Youth Explorers’ Police Academy
March 2019

The Laguna Pueblo Public Safety Department: Proactive Approach to Trust-Building and Community Policing
November 2018

COPS Office Increases Tribal Access to Critical Crime Information with $1.5 Million in Support
November 2018

Meskwaki Nation Police Department and the CTAS Program
July 2018

The Tulalip Tribal Police Department Halloween in Tulalip: Pumpkins, Police, and Play
October 2017

Tribes can “TAP” into Critical Crime Data: COPS Funding in Action
June 2017

Tribal Oriented Policing Strategies (TOPS) is now available online!
April 2017

Tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs Agencies Take the Community Policing Self-Assessment Tool
June 2016

Tribal Policing Partnerships: The Muckleshoot Tribe and the Sheriff
January 2013

Publications

x

**Unresolved Cases: A Review of Protocols and Resources for Supporting Investigations Involving American Indians and Alaska Natives**
The Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons movement has brought new attention to the rate of unresolved crime in Indian Country or involving American Indians and Alaska Natives. Tribal law enforcement agencies often face challenges finding the resources - in money, time, and expertise - to investigate these cases. Unresolved Cases: A Review of Protocols and Resources for Supporting Investigations Involving American Indians and Alaska Natives compiles best practices and resource guides to assist tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in reviewing and investigating unresolved (or "cold") cases. Protocols for communications, record-keeping, and trauma-informed victim services; databases of personal and ballistic information; and physical evidence including DNA, fingerprints, and forensic dentistry are all detailed.

x

**Tribal Resources for Justice Systems and Law Enforcement**
Tribal Resources for Justice Systems and Law Enforcement focuses on law enforcement strategies concerning issues such as gangs, alcohol and substance abuse, and victimization in tribal communities. This flash drive contains more than 50 COPS Office, U.S. Department of Justice, and nongovernmental publications and resources, including statistics and links to tribal-focused public safety websites.

x

**Perceptions of Methamphetamine in Indian Country: Interviews with Service Providers in Ten Western Tribes**
Native American tribes across the United States have experienced many adverse effects from the distribution, trafficking, and use of methamphetamines and other dangerous drugs. These effects range from higher crime rates associated with the sale of drugs, to the displacement of children from homes where methamphetamine is being abused or trafficked, to the exploitation of Native resources. In an effort to address the increasing concerns raised by the methamphetamine problem in Indian country, law enforcement and social service providers were asked to participate in qualitative interviews regarding their perceptions of the methamphetamine use and implications for crime and treatment in the tribal communities where they work and live. The purpose of the study was to determine the nature, extent, and effects of methamphetamine trafficking, distribution, and manufacturing in Indian country. A further goal was to determine what, if any, other illegal drugs or substances posed problems for tribal agencies and the programs and policies that are needed to help solve this complex public safety problem.

x

**Cross-Deputization in Indian Country**
Jurisdiction in Indian country has long been complicated by multifaceted tribal, state, and federal laws, policies, and court decisions, making it difficult for law enforcement to effectively address many types of criminal offenses. Whether the victim and perpetrator belonged to a tribe, where the crime took place, and other circumstances must be considered before any action can be taken. But recent changes in tribal, federal, and state law have enabled tribal law enforcement to enforce a broader array of state and federal crimes by cross-commissioning and cross-deputizing their officers. This report - based on the work of the National Sheriffs' Association, which assembled a cross-deputization advisory panel - examines the jurisdictional and legal limits of cross-deputization and how it has been implemented in various law enforcement agencies in Indian country. It also describes some of the most promising practices and provides sample documents and agreements.

x

**Promising Practices in Tribal Community Policing**
Tribal law enforcement strives to provide a high standard of service that is fair, effective, and culturally relevant. Community policing principles are at the heart of many of their activities, which often include personal interaction with tribal members. Yet they face great challenges, including lack of funding, staffing, and other resources, as well as jurisdictional issues. To help tribal law enforcement develop or improve community policing practices which can overcome these obstacles, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the COPS Office partnered to produce this publication. Promising Practices in Tribal Community Policing examines community policing in Indian country, looking at current practice and areas for future improvement. Taking into account the culture, governmental structures, and logistical and other challenges, the authors describe strategies for enhancing or creating programs focused on trust and collaboration with tribal members and government agencies. A valuable resource for tribal law enforcement, it is also a practical guide for all law enforcement and community stakeholders.

x

**Break the Cycle: Methamphetamine and Community-Oriented Policing in Indian Country**
Methamphetamine has a disproportionate negative effect on tribal communities. In response to this compelling need, the COPS Office awarded Tribal Methamphetamine Initiative grants to 40 tribes and provided those grantees with training and technical assistance. This guide for tribal law enforcement and community stakeholders reflects the priorities and key information resulting from on-site assessments conducted with each tribe; input from eight tribal fellows; technical assistance provided to each of the grantees; and the ideas, discussions, and data that emerged from a national strategic planning summit. The guide addresses the importance and value of tradition and culture in community ownership, prevention, and treatment; identifies innovations and best practices specific to meth production, distribution, and use in Indian country; and provides a series of recommendations for law enforcement and other key stakeholders.

x

**Public Safety Partnerships in Indian Country**
The COPS Office awarded the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) of Fox Valley Technical College a cooperative agreement in FY 2010 to provide training and on-site assistance to support the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and the Round Valley Indian Tribes and other community stakeholders to improve communication and collaboration between jurisdictions. Public Safety Partnerships in Indian Country describes the experiences of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and Round Valley Indian Tribes in developing partnerships to address public safety issues. Their contributions provide a comprehensive resource for other tribes wishing to implement collaborative programs across jurisdictions to improve public safety in their communities.

x

**Successful Tribal Community Policing Initiatives: A Resource for Communities Developing Public Safety Programs and Strategies**
The COPS Office awarded the Fox Valley Technical College's National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) a cooperative agreement in FY2008 to provide training and technical assistance to the 75 tribes and agencies awarded Tribal Resources Grant Program funds that year. NCJTC helped these tribes and agencies enhance community policing by providing training and technical assistance in community policing and other public safety issues. Successful Tribal Community Policing Initiatives: A Resource for Communities Developing Public Safety Programs and Strategies describes various tribes' experiences in developing community policing initiatives. Their contributions provide a comprehensive resource for other tribes wishing to implement community policing programs to improve public safety in their communities.

x

**Rural and Tribal Elder Justice Resource Guide**
On June 15, 2018, the United States Department of Justice and Department of Agriculture committed to working together to promote elder justice in rural and tribal communities. Elder justice refers to a society’s response to elder abuse, which includes physical abuse, caregiver neglect, financial exploitation, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and abandonment. Each year in America, at least 10% of older adults (age 60 or older) experience one or more forms of elder abuse.

x

**What You Need to Know about Background Screening: A Reference Guide for Youth-Serving Organizations and their Communities**
Youth-serving organizations have the fundamental duty to protect the children within their care. What You Need to Know about Background Screening is a simple yet powerful resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children dedicated to helping youth-serving organizations by providing information on how to better screen employees and minimize the risk to the children they serve. This guidebook, thoroughly updated in 2021 with new information and research, describes the layers of screening an agency should consider when developing a comprehensive background screening process and offers links to useful tools and resources to help youth-serving agencies understand the best screening practices that are available.

x

**Successful Tribal Community Policing Initiatives, volume 2: A Resource for Communities Developing Public Safety Programs and Strategies**
The COPS Office awarded the Fox Valley Technical College's National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) a cooperative agreement in FY 2011 to provide training and technical assistance to the tribes and law enforcement agencies awarded Tribal Resources Grant Program funds that year. NCJTC helped these tribes and agencies enhance community policing by providing training and technical assistance in community policing and other public safety issues. Successful Tribal Community Policing Initiatives Volume 2: A Resource for Communities Developing Public Safety Programs and Strategies describes various tribes' experiences in developing community policing initiatives. Their contributions provide a comprehensive resource for other tribes working to implement community policing programs to improve public safety in their communities.

What's New in Blue

What’s New in Blue is a series of short videos intended to keep viewers informed about innovative developments and critical issues in law enforcement.

**Season 1 | Episode 4: What's New In Blue: Policing in Indian Country feat. Chief Francis Bradley Sr.**

In this episode of What’s New in Blue, Chief Francis Bradley Sr. discusses the importance of culture in policing in Indian Country. Francis Bradley is the Chief of Police for the Hualapai Nation in Peach Springs, AZ. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 232 and retired as a commander with the Navajo Nation Police Department where he served from 1980 to 2002.

Click to Watch This Episode Now

Webinar Video:
Background Investigations Overview and Considerations for Law Enforcement Personnel in Alaska Native Villages

**Recorded: Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 10 A.M. Alaska Time / 2 P.M. ET**

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) sponsored an overview webinar on background investigations to educate applicants and awardees about these types of investigations. The COPS Office requires awardees of the Tribal Resources Grant Program to conduct background investigations, as well as attend a basic law enforcement academy, for all positions hired under the program.

The key goals of this webinar were to:

Describe what  background investigations are
	Discuss the importance of conducting background investigations for law enforcement personnel
	Describe how background investigations can inform hiring decisions
	Provide possible methods for conducting background investigations
	Discuss basic law enforcement academy options in Alaska
	Answer questions about background investigations and the basic law enforcement academy

Moderator: **Matthew Lysakowski**, Senior Advisor for Tribal Affairs, COPS Office
Presenters: **Fannie Black**, Director of Programs, Yuut Elitnaurviat-People's Learning Center, Inc.; **R.E. “Bob” Griffiths**, Executive Director, Alaska Police Standards Council; **David A. Willson**, Sergeant, Alaska Department of Public Safety Recruitment Unit

View the Webinar TranscriptView the Webinar Presentation

**What You Need to Know about Background Screening: A Reference Guide for Youth-Serving Organizations and their Communities**
This guidebook, thoroughly updated in 2021 with new information and research, describes the layers of screening an agency should consider when developing a comprehensive background screening process and offers links to useful tools and resources to help youth-serving agencies understand the best screening practices that are available.

Podcasts - The Beat

Talking Tribal Policing and De-escalation with Chief Jacob Molitor

There are an estimated 18,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country, and while there are many similarities between jurisdictions, there are also many differences. Jacob Molitor, Chief of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department in Iowa and Chair of the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association, joins The Beat to discuss unique aspects of serving a small tribal jurisdiction. Chief Molitor also discusses an innovative approach that his department has implemented to institutionalize robust de-escalation practices.

Click Here

**June 2013**

Tribal Community Policing

Click Here

**June 2013**

Tribal Interoperability

Click Here

**March 2012**

Developing Effective Partnerships

Click Here

Mitakuye Oyasin (We Are All Related)

A film highlighting the hope of the Lakota people through Akicita and community policing.

In addressing the challenges facing the Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, the Oglala Sioux Tribe embraces Akicita; a community-based approach to public safety that has been a part of the Lakota people for centuries. The Akicita are the guardians. Akicita is a shared responsibility among all community members. Akicita is community policing. For the Lakota people there is hope for the future in remembering the past.

Click to Watch This Video


Contact COPS Office

Thank you for your interest in the COPS Office. We are eager to answer any questions you may have and are very interested in hearing your thoughts on our work and on community policing in general. Please use the contact information here to get in touch with us.  The Response Center can assist you with questions regarding our programs as well as connect you with our community policing experts and resources.

Response Center: 800-421-6770

The Response Center’s hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Email: tribalgrants@usdoj.gov


SPOTLIGHT


SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL UPDATES
 
 SUBSCRIBE TO CP DISPATCH


ABOUT Contact COPS
	Community Policing in Action: Photo Contest
	The L. Anthony Sutin Award for Innovative Law Enforcement and Community Partnerships
	Photo Galleries
	Subscribe NEWS Press Releases
	Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safer Communities
 GRANTS Compliance & Reporting
	Program Documents
	Grantees
	Grantee Success Stories
	Agency Portal Video Tutorials
	Award Announcement Map RESOURCES National Blue Alert Network
	Recent Releases
	Resource Center/Publications
	E-Newsletter: Community Policing Dispatch
	Podcast Series: The Beat
	Video Series: What’s New in Blue
	Tribal Community Policing Resources
	Addressing Human Trafficking
	Community Policing Topics
	Recruitment, Hiring & Retention
 TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Collaborative Reform Initiative for Technical Assistance Center
	COPS Training Portal
	Training ACCOUNT ACCESS ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION


FOIA Language Access Plan Legal Policies and Disclaimers No Fear Act Open Government Plain Writing Privacy Policy USA.gov Whistleblower Protection Social Media Department of Justice Accessibility