In the face of resource deficiencies, complicated jurisdictional issues, and what are often vast geographic coverage areas, this sentiment is shared by virtually all tribal law enforcement agencies. Tribal law enforcement prioritizes being there for the people they serve through standard policing functions, community events, and day to day interpersonal interactions. Community policing is not a program or activity in Indian country; rather, it is a guiding philosophy and way of life.

In 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) partnered to explore what community policing looks like in Indian country and what specific strategies work well for tribal law enforcement.

Being small and self-governed, tribes are well-positioned to engage tribal members in helping to identify and solve safety problems in the community. Tribal law enforcement has the ability to be nimble and, with the support of the tribal government, test new and innovative justice ideas. This publication explores strategies in community policing: