Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe - CTAS PA4 - Tribal Courts Infrastructure Improvement FY24 Project

Since 2017, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has been planning the renovation of an Independent Grocers Alliance store into a new tribal service building that will house the Tribal Courts and tribal divisions and programs. The tribal judiciary sharing a building with tribal programs and divisions creates many security challenges. The Tribal Courts, in conjunction with other tribal offices, have identified gaps in security measures that will be addressed through funding. To address these security deficiencies, the tribe will install additional security cameras, secured door access, a short wall in one of the courtrooms, and bulletproof glass fixtures over the exterior windows of the building. The Tribal Courts will purchase an X-ray machine to be integrated into the existing security checkpoint, and fireproof cabinets will also be purchased to safely store case files. The Tribe will focus on improving the functionality of the judiciary by overseeing the construction of the head security guard’s office to allow for more storage of security equipment; the installment of sound acoustic paneling in courtrooms and court employee offices; and upgrading the security window to be American with Disabilities Act compliant and include a counterspace. To provide a holistic family courtroom, the Tribal Courts will also purchase appropriate furniture. Since the pandemic, the Tribal Courts have allowed parties to attend virtually. The current setup is piecemealed together and has many shortcomings resulting in challenges to many court users. To address this issue, the Tribal Courts will purchase new evidence presentation and audio/video recording equipment to use in the courtroom.