The Justice Department says it will make “sweeping reforms intended to improve public safety on tribal land.” The department said the directive is part of a larger initiative to create better communication and coordination to fight crime and promote justice in Indian Country.
Attorney General Eric Holder instructed the 44 U.S. Attorneys' Offices with districts containing Indian Country to meet and consult with tribes in their district annually; develop an operational plan addressing public safety in Indian Country; work closely with law enforcement to pay particular attention to violence against women in Indian Country and make these crimes a priority; and to provide summaries of their operational plans to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and make those summaries available to the tribes in their districts . The Justice Department's new annual appropriation includes $6 million more for Indian Country prosecution. At least 35 additional Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 12 additional FBI victim specialists will be added in offices with an Indian Country caseload.