NCJ Number
219516
Date Published
July 2007
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes the complex picture of crime in Indian country and the innovative policy solutions that are being developed and implemented to reduce crime and promote community safety.
Abstract
In Indian Country, State legislatures are positioned to develop policy designed to improve services to Native Americans involved in the State judicial systems, address criminal justice concerns in Indian Country, allocate funding to support successful initiatives, and conduct oversight into the State’s overall compliance with related laws and programs. Tribal governments, fueled by successful self-governance initiatives and growing economies are situated better than ever to address needs within their communities and forge powerful intergovernmental agreements pertaining to the many areas in which State-tribal cooperation is a necessity. In addition, the growing number of Native Americans holding seats in the State legislature and other positions of influences throughout State government increases awareness and the call to action in developing comprehensive policies to address crime in Indian Country. Examples of these include in 2007, the Minnesota Department of Human Services signed a Tribal State Agreement stating that the Department of Human Services and the tribes agree that Native American children should be kept with their families. In New Mexico, the Na’nizhoozhi Center was established in 1992 offering a 28-day adult residential treatment program, outpatient services, aftercare services with a home visitation program, and detoxification programs. In Montana, the HB 781 bill was signed into law requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt a policy that prohibits stopping members of minority groups for violations of vehicle laws as a pretext for investigating other violations of criminal law. Criminal justice in Indian Country is a complicated issue involving State, tribal, and Federal law enforcement agencies, prisons and judicial systems.