Enhancing the Operations of Tribal Courts

This award is made under the FY 2008 Tribal Courts Assistance Program and it supports the development, implementation, enhancement, and continuing operation of tribal justice systems. Allowable elements under the program may include, but are not limited to: establishing a core structure for a tribal court; improving case management; training court personnel; acquiring additional equipment and/or software; enhancing prosecution and indigent defense; supporting probation diversion and alternative sentencing programs; accessing services; focusing on juvenile services and multi disciplinary protocols for child physical and sexual abuse; and structuring intertribal or tribal appellate systems.

The Pueblo of Acoma will utilize fiscal year 2008 Tribal Courts Assistance Program (TCAP) Category III, Enhancing the Operation of Tribal Courts funds to hire staff. The current tribal court staff consists of a judge, a court administrator, two probation officers, three court clerks, and one court assistant. The tribal court staff currently maintains a very basic level of judicial services which negatively impacts tribal court effectiveness and efficiency. The tribal court will enhance infrastructure by utilizing the grant to fund two positions. Presently, there is not a Tribal Prosecutor or Tribal Public Defender to provide adequate prosecution and an indigent defense. The addition of a Tribal Prosecutor and Tribal Public Defender will improve case management. The Pueblo of Acoma will utilize existing tribal funds in combination with TCAP funds to fund the two positions. The increase in staff capacity will allow the tribal court to enhance the services currently offered; develop alternative offender monitoring programs; and provide staff training.

CA/NCF