Prepared as virtual training material for the Tribal Law Enforcement and Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Native Forum hosted in August 2020 by the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), this presentation prepares individuals and teams to develop and implement policies and services that are victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate in missing persons cases that involve American Indians or Alaska Natives (AI/AN).
This training material is approved by the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives under its program entitled Operation Lady Justice (OLJ). The objectives of this training are 1) to increase understanding of victim needs and working with families in missing person cases in Indian Country and 2) to incorporate victim services into the law enforcement response plan. The instruction then proceeds to define and distinguish between a community-based advocate and a systems-based advocate. This is followed by a listing of direct services for families of missing AI/AN. The instruction material is then presented on topics in the following order, with a page devoted to each topic: Victim Centered Services; Trauma Informed Services; Culturally Appropriate Services; Timing and Needs of Families (a table format); Initial Report of Missing AI/AN; Engaging Family and First Contacts; Communication (Family and Team); Operational Support; Concurrent Planning for Possible Outcomes (a page devoted to each outcome; e.g., recovered alive, recovered deceased, and transition from acute to long term missing); Long Term Investigation; and Special Considerations. Additional resources are listed.