Blackfeet Police Training Initiative 2010

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The Blackfeet Tribe will use $111,750 in JAG funds to send officers to local and national training programs, focusing on the Prevention and Education purpose area of the JAG program. Training sessions include the US Department of Justice 2011 Regional Financial Management Training Seminar, National Native American Law Enforcement Conference, Prescription Drug Abuse Training offered by Lamar Associates, Amber AlertChild Abduction Response Team Training, Interdepartmental Tribal Justice, Safety, and Wellness Session, NCIA winter session workshops, and workshops offered locally by the Montana Board of Crime Control. The training programs will offer advanced knowledge to law enforcement officers, allowing them the ability to positively respond to issues faced on tribal reservation lands, including domestic violence, child abuse and abduction, and other issues. Community policing efforts will be strengthened through this advanced training schedule, as officers will be better equipped at handling enforcement issues with sensitivity and knowledge.

Additionally, equipment will also be purchased with a portion of the JAG allocation, including handheld radios, digital technology, speed monitoring devices, and in-car video cameras. The additional equipment will better allow officers to approach enforcement in a community-policing manner.

NCA/NCF