Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Court Security Updates

The Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is requesting funding to enhance the physical infrastructure of the Tribal Court System. Due to the excessive and increasing rates of substance use issues in Lac Courte Oreilles, the LCO Tribal Court’s court proceedings continue to grow. The LCO Tribal Court Facility has been expanded and renovated to meet the growing needs of staff to maintain effective and efficient tribal court operations, but the current largest area of concern is court security and protecting the rights of confidentiality to those served by the courts. The Tribal Court Assessment performed in 2022 pinpointed gaps in security and possible leaks in confidentiality measures due to the lack of soundproofing. LCO is requesting funding to create restricted access areas for Tribal Court staff only, install bulletproof exterior windows, install bulletproof doors, install soundproofed walls, and create a permanent station for the Tribal Court’s bailiff to improve the security of the courtroom.