Ak-Chin Journey to Justice Project

The Planning Correctional Facilities on Tribal Lands Competitive Grant Program assists tribes in developing strategies to cost effectively plan facilities associated with the incarceration and rehabilitation of juvenile and adult offenders subject to tribal jurisdiction. Careful planning is critical to ensure that correctional facilities, when completed, are appropriately designed for the intended population, supportive of cultural and traditional values, safe and secure when completed, and in compliance with Bureau of Indian Affairs' standards regarding correction operations, programs and design.

The Ak-Chin Indian Community will utilize Correctional Facilities on Tribal Lands, Category I, Planning of Correctional Facilities, grant funding to support the Ak-Chin Journey to Justice Project. Through the project, the community aims to develop an upgraded comprehensive master plan that includes construction and operation costs of a new detention facility that meets federal detention compliance guidelines, while providing a secure environment for inmates, visitors, and detention staff. The current detention facility in use is an adapted office building that does not meet Bureau of Indian Affairs standards. With no room to detain more than 21-imates, the community must depend on the surrounding jurisdictions for services. Once drafted, plans will also include a full range of detention services designed to not only safely control and prevent jail overcrowding, but also lower the reoccurring incidents within the community, particularly among juveniles through updated policies and procedures, rehabilitation programs, and a comprehensive operation plan. A core committee will be responsible for overseeing activities associated with achieving the goals of the project. Committee member include representatives from the Tribal Courts, Community Council, and the Tribal Police Department.

CA/NCF