FY 2009 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Criminal Systems Enhancement Project

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) will improve the function of their tribal Criminal Justice System (CJS) through the establishment of an Office of Justice Development (OJD). They will establish a criminal court process server; purchase of critical equipment for law enforcement, probation, and detention officers; and proficiency training for CJS employees on the use of the Tribe's Judicial Electronic Management System. OJD will assist in strategic planning; development of departmental CJS policies and procedures; data collection and analysis; grant writing; revision and updates of tribal codes and rules; and legislative advocacy. CRST will purchase a court process server to enhance the CJS by eliminating significant case delays due to inadequate personnel and equipment. They will also purchase equipment for law enforcement, detention, and probation officers would greatly improve the functioning of the CJS and keep tribal communities safe.

NCA/NCF