Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Federal Report Finds DOJ Falling Short in Tribal Law Enforcement

Alysa Landry/Indian Country Media Network

A new federal report shows the U.S. Justice Department has fallen short in its law enforcement duties in Indian Country. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports. 

The Tribal Law and Order Actrequires the DOJ provide assistance to tribal law enforcement agencies with investigations, training and data collection. The report from the department’s inspector general, however, shows federal agents, tribal police and U.S. Attorney offices haven’t yet developed a uniform system since Congress passed the law in 2010.

In addition, the audit found a lack of accountability within the DOJ, which has led to crimes not being fully investigated and prosecuted. The inspector general made more than a dozen recommendations to improve law enforcement.

The Navajo Nation was among 11 tribes surveyed for the report. Scarce resources and geographic isolation amplify crime-fighting challenges on the 27,000-square-mile reservation.

Ryan Heinsius joined the KNAU newsroom as executive producer in 2013 and was named news director and managing editor in 2024. As a reporter, he has covered a broad range of stories from local, state and tribal politics to education, economy, energy and public lands issues, and frequently interviews internationally known and regional musicians. Ryan is an Edward R. Murrow Award winner and a Public Media Journalists Association Award winner, and a frequent contributor to NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and national newscast.
Related Content