CHALLENGER INSIGHTS Vol. 15:
Focus on Tribal Police
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs office, there are 566 federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives in the United States. Tribes have their own hospitals, education system, and in many cases, their own law enforcement agencies.
Tribal law enforcement agencies are unique in that they have legal authorization to govern tribal lands—and these agencies are independent, getting most of their funding through the federal government. While not all tribes operate their own law enforcement program—some rely on the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Justice Services—there’s plenty that these agencies need in the way of evidence storage and personal storage to help make their jobs a little easier.
Workload & Issues Are Increasing
The overall workload of police departments within these tribal lands has been increasing at a significant rate. In addition to the workload, the intensity and range of problems to which these agencies must respond is also increasing. At the same time, poor employee morale and high turnover result in a lack of well-qualified and experienced officers.
While you might argue that it’s the same for virtually any police department opportunity, it’s worth an extra careful evaluation of their situation when you meet with a department for the first time. How can our solutions make the lives of these officers easier on a daily basis? Can a different type of storage system relieve stress, increase safety, and improve morale?
Much Ground to Cover
Something to note about many tribal law enforcement agencies is the sheer scope—and type—of the jurisdiction they need to cover. Although many Native reservation residents live in rural, isolated areas, a significant percentage of a reservation’s population settles in semi-urban communities. Much, if not most, crime on reservations occurs in these fairly dense areas.
A Focus on Alcohol Abuse & Violent Crime
The crimes that most occupy police on tribal lands is directly or indirectly related to alcohol abuse. It’s a deep and complex problem, and one that stands in direct contrast to violent crime as something that consistently receives insufficient attention and resources.
This may seem like a bleak picture, but there is a reason to concentrate on these departments. One thing to keep in mind is the federal programs aimed at addressing the funding shortfalls and challenges of tribal lands. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Justice have provided grants to tribal governments to assist with the challenges faced in enforcing laws.
Don’t wait for the grants to be issued. Connect with tribal governments in your area and listen to their challenges. Your storage expertise can help them design a new evidence processing or evidence storage area that is funded by grants. Also, keep in mind contract options. NJPA (National Joint Powers Alliance) has put into place a program for tribal governments, which welcomes them to use contracts such as ours.
Have you been successful with Tribal Police opportunities? How did you work with the challenges of this particular agency, and is there any advice you can give to reps who are hoping to pursue these opportunities? Email McKenna Dustman at mdustman@spacesaver.com and tell her your story.