COPS Office Resources

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.

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.

Methamphetamine in Indian Country
The Methamphetamine (Meth) in Indian Country program is offered to 2008 Tribal Resource Grant Program grantees as an additional component to the Tribal Community Police Problem Solving Teams Training (TTEAMS). The program is designed to create awareness of the increasingly serious issue of meth manufacturing, trafficking, sales and abuse among tribes, villages and reservations across the country. It also creates an awareness of the significant issues meth causes for law enforcement, first responders, treatment providers and the entire community. This program is an excellent way to build an understanding in the community about the importance of supporting law enforcement in addressing this serious issue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tribal Resources for Justice Systems and Law Enforcement (flash drive)
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.

Tribal Youth Leadership
This training curriculum is designed to train and equip American Indian youth with the leadership skills necessary to address the public safety problems that plagues tribal communities. The overarching goal for the course is to advance the practice of community policing as an effective strategy in a communities.