Bill Overview
Title: Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act
Description: This bill treats certain tribal law enforcement officers as federal law enforcement officers under specified circumstances. Specifically, the bill authorizes the law enforcement officers of any Indian tribe that has contracted or compacted any or all federal law enforcement functions through the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to enforce federal law within the tribe's jurisdiction if those officers meet certain qualifications. These qualifications include completing training and passing an adjudicated background investigation. Further, the bill deems a tribal law enforcement officer who is acting under an authorized contract or compact as a federal law enforcement officer for the purposes of certain federal laws, including for injury and death, retirement, and pension benefits. The Department of the Interior must (1) develop procedures for credentialing tribal officers to confirm these officers meet minimum certification standards and training requirements for Indian country peace officers, and (2) promulgate guidance to implement this bill. The bill also requires the Department of Justice to coordinate and provide oversight for its functions and programs to ensure a coordinated approach for public safety in Indian communities.
Sponsors: Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]
Target Audience
Population: People in areas served by tribal law enforcement officers, including officers and tribal community members
Estimated Size: 8000000
- The legislation affects tribal law enforcement officers across the United States, aiming to recognize them with federal status under certain conditions.
- There are 574 federally recognized tribes in the U.S., each potentially employing their own tribal law enforcement officers.
- The Bureau of Indian Affairs employs over 200 tribal law enforcement officers, plus many officers hired by individual tribes.
- The officers who meet federal qualifications will be directly impacted.
- The communities served by these officers will experience changes in law enforcement practices.
Reasoning
- The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will primarily affect tribal law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. However, given the budget limits, the direct impact on the officers is expected to be the most significant as they are being granted federal status, which comes with new benefits and responsibilities.
- There are around 8 million people in areas served by tribal law enforcement, including officers and community members, but the direct target of the policy is much smaller, focusing on law enforcement officers fulfilling federal qualification requirements.
- There will be a range of impacts, from increased community safety perceptions to changes in the professional status and benefits for the officers themselves.
- Current federal and tribal law enforcement dynamics will influence the perceptions of affected community members, with some skepticism likely from those who question governmental integration.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal Law Enforcement Officer (Arizona)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy will validate our role in the community and give us greater authority.
- It could also mean better resources and training for our work, which is much needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Community Member (New Mexico)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope it means our officers get more respect and we see better law enforcement in our area.
- There's always a worry about more federal involvement, but if done well, it could be good.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Federal Law Enforcement Officer (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this could bridge gaps between federal and tribal law enforcement, leading to better cooperation.
- There might be logistical challenges, though, especially in terms of training and certification.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Community Member (Montana)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this means our officers have more resources, that's great.
- But I worry about how it will be perceived and whether our officers will still be one of us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Tribal Law Enforcement Officer (South Dakota)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It gives us clarity about our jurisdiction and responsibilities.
- I hope it leads to better support from federal entities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Tribal Advocate (Oklahoma)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a step in the right direction and it's long overdue.
- I've seen these communities struggle with lack of resources for too long.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Community Member (Alaska)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure how I feel about this yet, but generally more support for our officers should be positive.
- Federal recognition could change things, but it depends on the implementation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Tribal Chief (Washington)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It could bolster our sovereignty by giving our law enforcement federal status.
- My concern is it might also increase federal oversight, which could complicate things.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tribal Police Dispatcher (Minnesota)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful about coordination improvements between us and federal agencies.
- The real benefit will depend on training and equipment upgrades we receive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Tribal Law Enforcement Officer (Wyoming)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal recognition will strengthen our capabilities.
- I hope it leads to more trust from the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The need for comprehensive training and credentialing processes for tribal officers.
- Potential resistance or difficulties in integrating tribal officers into federal frameworks.
- Long-term benefits of improved law enforcement in tribal communities may not be realized immediately.
- The financial implications of extending federal benefits to tribal officers.