NCJ Number
225774
Date Published
2002
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the proceedings of the 10th Annual Training Conference of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA), entitled, “Tribal Lands Homeland Security Summit,” which was held in order to define the nature of the homeland security threat on tribal lands and discuss the level of preparedness needed to meet the threat now and in the future.
Abstract
Just over 400 representatives of Indian tribal governments, Federal agencies, State governments, and private industry attended the Summit. The primary security vulnerabilities identified by Summit participants were the border and port security on tribal lands; critical infrastructure located on tribal lands (dams, water impoundment and reservoirs, electrical generation plants, drinking water, and waster systems); nonintegrated law enforcement and lack of jurisdictional clarity; and minimal emergency response and medical capacity, planning, and implementation. The vision for addressing these vulnerabilities includes a locally organized effort to improve security, the purchase of dual-use equipment and services, complementary services, funding, adjacent jurisdictional partnerships, special operations training, and innovative thinking. Needed resources include funding, training and guidance in homeland security, and equipment and technical assistance. General recommendations are to view Indian nations as separate entities, since each is unique; to communicate directly with Indian nations; to provide funding directly to Indian nations; and to strengthen communication lines between tribal governments and nontribal emergency and law enforcement agencies. Another general recommendation is to address liability and jurisdictional issues that limit the ability of State, local, and tribal law enforcement to cooperate with one another. Other recommendations are directed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Justice, and NNALEA. The NNALEA Homeland Security Assessment Model is outlined. It provides tribal leaders with a starting point for assessing security needs and planning improvements. 34 notes and appended National Homeland Security Strategy outline and objectives and NNALEA homeland security preassessment meeting outline