Gluesenkamp Perez, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Tribal Law Enforcement Efforts

Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), along with Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA), and Sen. Markwayne Mullin (OK), introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act to improve hiring and retention of Tribal law enforcement officers.

The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will:  

• Authorize Tribal officers acting under a 638 contract or compact to be considered federal law enforcement officers and enforce federal law, provided they meet certain qualifications comparable to BIA law enforcement officers. This eliminates the need for Tribes to enter into Special Law Enforcement Commission agreements, which are administratively burdensome for Tribes to obtain.
• Treat Tribal law enforcement officers acting under a 638 contract as federal law enforcement officers for benefits for injury and death, retirement, and pensions. Tribal law enforcement officers aren’t eligible for these federal programs, and this will enhance Tribes’ ability to recruit and retain officers, especially in rural areas.
• Provide for the Secretary of the Interior to implement procedures for credentialing Tribal officers and for the Attorney General to coordinate training and reporting.

“I hear from law enforcement across Southwest Washington about how difficult it can be to recruit and retain officers, especially in rural communities,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Our bipartisan legislation will cut down on administrative burdens and strengthen benefits for Tribal law enforcement – to ensure that sovereign Tribal Nations can keep their communities safe.” 

“As the missing and murdered indigenous women crisis continues to plague tribal communities across the country, tribal law enforcement agencies are facing serious challenges with recruiting and retaining officers and resources,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This bipartisan legislation empowers tribal law enforcement to build and maintain strong, well-trained forces who will be far better equipped to address the MMIW crisis, counter illicit drug flow, and protect tribal communities in Central Washington. I thank members of the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle who understand the scale of these challenges and are helping to lead towards a solution.” 

“Tribes need more law enforcement officers to fight both the fentanyl and murdered and missing indigenous people epidemics and to respond to emergencies in their communities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will help tribal communities get the law enforcement resources they need to keep their communities safe.” 

“Tribal police departments work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities in Oklahoma and around the nation,” said Sen. Mullin. “Tribal police should receive equal treatment and resources needed for the safety of their communities without going through excessive red tape. I’m proud to join with my colleagues on this and support our Tribal law enforcement.” 

This legislation is supported by the the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, the Suquamish Tribe, the Hopi Tribe, and the Tulalip Tribes. 

Full text of the legislation is available here.