In 2017, the Meskwaki Nation Police Department was awarded a COPS Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) grant to hire a new officer and purchase a patrol vehicle. The Meskwaki Cultural Museum provided pictures to Meskwaki Nation Police to be incorporated in the vinyl graphics that were applied to the vehicle. With the assistance of a graphic designer, the department was able to design and incorporate the culturally-focused pictures of past native members into the vehicle graphics. With the final rendering of the graphics complete, the vehicle was fully wrapped in a vinyl finish. The graphics represent the proud individuals of the community, as well as the proud culture of the tribe.

As with the purchase of the new patrol vehicle, the CTAS Grant also allowed for a new officer to be hired and designated as the Narcotics Community Police Officer. The officer has been involved in different aspects of the Meskwaki Community, and the use of the new patrol vehicle has aided in the development of community relations. Community members are excited to see the patrol vehicle on the settlement and it has become a centerpiece of attention and pride. Many individuals enjoy coming up to the vehicle to look at all the intricate details of the design and the pictures on the hood of the vehicle.

The Meskwaki Nation Police Department is excited to see what the future holds for the advancement and devolvement of community-based policing. With the assistance of the CTAS grant, the Meskwaki Nation Police Department will continue to support and protect the proud traditions of the Meskwaki Nation Tribe. The pictures below show the patrol vehicle with the vinyl graphics that were applied. Pictures of natives throughout time were formatted into a collage and placed on the hood of the patrol vehicle to display individuals of tribal members. Also, the Meskwaki flag was placed on the roof to exhibit Meskwaki pride.

Officer Josh Gettle
Narcotics Community Police Officer
Meskwaki Nation Police Department

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