TTT Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning

Thlopthlocco Tribal Town (TTT) is a Federally- recognized tribe located in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma. With this funding, TTT will conduct strategic planning to enhance the TTT Justice System, making the Tribal community a safer place to live, work and prosper as a Tribal Nation.

Brief Description of Project Purpose: With the guidance of the BJA/TTA provider mentor team, the goal is to enhance the tribal justice system by developing a strategic action plan that addresses crime, safety, and wellness for the tribal community. 

Gaps/Needs: 

(1) (a) Staffing and (b) Office Infrastructure: TTT does not have the internal staff capacity, resources, or expertise to perform a tribal wide strategic plan. Funding is requested to hire staff, equip them with the necessary computers and office supplies and contract with an attorney.

(2). Staff Training: TTT does not have funding to provide staff with training needs.  

(3) No justice system-wide strategic plan. TTT needs financial assistance and the expertise of the DOJ/BJA Technical Training Assistance to help assess the justice system and strategically plan for reforms to develop tribal codes.

(4) Outdated/Lack of Tribal Codes, Police Codes, Legislation, Court Rules and Codes: Codes have not been updated since 2009. Codes must in place to protect and prosecute juveniles; high juvenile crime rates are alarming. Budgetary and staff limitations have prevented Code updates.

Activities to achieve goals and objectives: Strategic planning funding will allow the tribe to implement the following 3 objectives to address the crime and public safety problems identified above. Funding will allow:

(1) (a) Staffing and (b) Office Infrastructure:  (a) Staffing:  A Full time CTAS Program Coordinator will be hired to assist with strategic planning process with the TTA Mentor Team and TTT will contract with the tribal attorney to draft Tribal Codes.  (b) Office Infrastructure:  Providing staff with the following supplies to carry out grant objectives and activities is necessary. Funding is requested to purchase UPS, Smart phone, phone plan, two software programs, laptop and accessories (laptop backpack, keyboard, mouse), and computer docking station. 

(2) Staff Training: Funding is requested to provide travel/strategic training for two employees to attend the mandatory post award training in Washington D.C. 

(3) No justice system-wide strategic plan.  With the guidance and training from DOJ/BJA Mentor Team, we will develop a strength based tribal justice system strategic plan.  This will allow the Tribe to fully address crime and public safety issues by having a plan of action to implement programs and enforce tribal laws.

(4)  Outdated/Lack of Tribal Codes, Police Codes, Legislation, Court Rules and Court Codes:  Funding is requested to contract with the tribal attorney to review, revise or establish Police Codes, Legislation, Court Rules/Codes, Juvenile Codes and Domestic Violence Codes.

Population to be served: TTT Jurisdictions of Hughes County (13,727), Okfuskee County (12,212) and TTT tribal members (1,002). Funding in Multiple Purpose Area(s): N/A