By NTTAC Communications
Supporting tribal criminal justice systems and tribal communities in achieving safer communities is a priority for the Bureau of Justice Assistance National Training and Technical Assistance Center (BJA NTTAC). Each quarter, tribal representatives, training and technical assistance (TTA) provider organizations, and BJA staff meet to coordinate TTA efforts, collaborate on best practices, and share funding opportunity updates. Ten tribes and tribal TTA provider organizations were represented in the latest coordination meeting, of which four tribes spoke about how their tribe is utilizing comprehensive opioid, stimulant, and substance abuse program (COSSAP) funding. Tribes have developed innovative and impactful programs to benefit their communities; examples of these programs include overdose mapping, cultural youth camps, and a law enforcement assisted diversion program.
BJA encourages tribes to apply for COSSAP funding. Applications for the fiscal year 2022 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program close June 17, 2022.
BJA NTTAC supports programs that assist tribal governments in the effort to plan, implement, and enhance their justice systems by increasing their capacity to prevent, control, and investigate crime; effectively administer justice; and meet the needs of the community. Training and technical assistance efforts are focused on enhancing tribal and state collaborations, strategic planning, and improving tribal justice system capacity-building efforts.
The following information highlights upcoming events, resources, funding opportunities, and programs available to assist tribal partners and TTA providers.
2022 Tribal Justice, Safety and Wellness Summit [Virtual Event]
The 2022 Tribal Justice, Safety and Wellness Summit will be held the afternoons of June 6-9, 2022. The Summit is intended for federal, state, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, court staff, victim/witness services staff, and tribal leaders.
The Summit features four training tracks:
- Criminal Justice Personnel
- Records Collection and Data Sharing
- Tribal Courts and Corrections
- Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons
The Summit will be taught by nationally recognized subject matter experts. The Secretary of the Interior and the Attorney General of the United States have been invited to participate. Priority will be given to those individuals working in Indian Country.
Learn more and register (free)
Tribal Corrections and Capacity Building TTA Program Overview [Webinar Recording]
During this webinar, which was held on March 30, 2022, BJA personnel discussed the FY 2022 Tribal Corrections Capacity Building Training and Technical Assistance Program funding opportunity, highlighting program purpose, eligibility, selection criteria for the awardee, and application submission requirements.
Planning a Reentry Program: A Toolkit for Tribal Communities [Toolkit]
Published October 2021
This toolkit for reentry programs for American Indian and Alaska Natives reentering their tribal communities after release from jail or prison addresses the rationale for reentry programs and how to plan and implement tribal reentry programs that incorporate a tribe’s history, values, and strengths.
Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative [FY 2022 Funding Opportunity]
Closing Date: May 23, 2022
The purpose of this initiative is to support local and tribal jurisdictions’ capacity to work with their Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives partners to utilize intelligence, technology, and community engagement to swiftly identify unlawfully used firearms and their sources, and effectively prosecute perpetrators engaged in violent crime.
Tribal Corrections Capacity Building Training and Technical Assistance Program [FY 2022 Funding Opportunity]
Closing Date: May 23, 2022
This opportunity will provide funding to deliver training and technical assistance on strategies to strengthen tribal correctional system capacity to enhance public safety and facilitate successful community reintegration efforts.
Native American Cultural Design Elements for Tribal Justice Facilities [Publication]
Published January 2022
Find additional information, programs, and resources that are available through BJA here.
If your jurisdiction needs training or technical assistance, please contact BJA NTTAC at BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov and we can connect you to the appropriate training, assistance, TTA partner, and/or resources.
If you are interested in submitting the work of your organization or jurisdiction for consideration in a future TTA blog post, please email us at BJANTTAC@ojp.usdoj.gov.
Points of view or opinions on BJA NTTAC’s TTA blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, BJA, or BJA NTTAC.