Tribal Community Policing Resources

About this Resource

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.

Films and Documentaries

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.  Note:  Video will play in a new window.

Guides, Publications, and Reports

Unresolved Cases: A Review of Protocols and Resources for Supporting Investigations Involving American Indians and Alaska Natives - access publication
Perceptions of Methamphetamine in Indian Country - access publication listing
Cross-Deputization in Indian Country - access publication listing
Promising Practices in Tribal Community Policing  - access publication listing
Break the Cycle: Methamphetamine and Community Oriented Policing in Indian Country - access publication listing
Public Safety Partnerships in Indian Country - access publication listing
The Tribal Youth Police Academy: Fostering Development of Future Tribal Criminal Justice and Community Leaders - access publication
Rural and Tribal Elder Justice Resource Guide - access publication

Dispatch Articles

The Community Policing Dispatch is the award-winning e-newsletter of the COPS Office

Podcasts – The Beat

Talking Tribal Policing and De-escalation with Chief Jacob Molitor

March 2022

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.  Note:  Video will play in a new window.

Downloads

Tribal Access Program (TAP)

The Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information, or TAP, allows Tribes to more effectively serve and protect their nation’s citizens by ensuring the exchange of critical data across the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems and other national crime information systems.

Tribal Specific Grant Opportunities

Tribal Resources Grant Program (TRGP), part of the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS)

Contact COPS

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: [email protected]

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