The new initiative focuses on law enforcement coordination, missing persons cases, and crime prevention in Indian Country.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced the creation of a new Indian Country Violent Crime Task Force to improve law enforcement coordination and address violent crime, drug activity, and missing persons cases in tribal communities. The initiative expands on earlier federal efforts related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous People cases and directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services to coordinate with tribal, state, and federal partners on investigations and public safety efforts.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said, “This order builds on the strong foundation of Operation Lady Justice and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, delivering decisive action to restore law and order, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and equip tribal law enforcement with the tools they need to protect their communities.”
“By working closely with tribal communities, federal law enforcement and local partners, we are honoring victims, strengthening public safety, and helping prevent future crime by improving coordination, early intervention and community‑based protection initiatives,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland.
The department also said it intends to use data analysis to identify high-crime areas and work directly with tribal leaders to develop community-specific safety strategies.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Burgum as he oversees the new task force to address violent crime in Native American communities.
- For Assistant Secretary Kirkland as he works with tribal leaders and law enforcement personnel to implement community safety initiatives and facilitate investigations.
- For healing, protection, and justice for tribal families and communities affected by violence, trafficking, addiction, and missing persons cases.
Sources: Department of the Interior
