Interior Unveils Law Enforcement Accountability Policies to Advance Transparency
The Department of the Interior (DOI) launched new policies this week requiring 3,100 officers and agents to wear body cameras, ensuring the release of critical incidents footage, and limiting no-knock warrants.
New NPS, FWS Policies Aim to Strengthen Tribal Co-Stewardship of Public Lands
The Department of the Interior (DOI) released new agency guidance this month aimed at strengthening the role of tribes in federal land management and improving federal stewardship.
Interior Launches Public Series on Improving Law Enforcement-Community Relations
The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced earlier this month that it will hold 12 listening sessions through June and July to develop policies and procedures.
DOJ, DOI Announce Commission to Address Violence Against Native Women
For National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness (MMIP) Day, the Interior (DOI) and Justice Departments hosted a virtual event highlighting the Not Invisible Act Commission.
DOJ Announces $73 Million in Public Safety Grants During White House Tribal Nations Summit
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced $73 million in grants to 85 American Indian and Alaska Native communities to help improve public safety and assist crime victims. The grants are meant to improve tribal justice systems and law enforcement, as well as improving child abuse investigations and domestic violence prevention.
GAO Reports Enhanced Data Collection to Aid Law Enforcement in Locating Missing Indigenous Women
On November 1, 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report reviewing the federal response to missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Department of the Interior Announces Task Force to Review Policing Standards
Secretary of the Department of the Interior (DOI) Deb Haaland signed a memo last week creating a task force to review law enforcement policies and procedures across the department. The memo cites the June 2021 Office of Inspector General (OIG) report “Review of U.S. Park Police Actions at Lafayette Park" as an impetus for the task force creation.
Veterans and Gold Star Families Receive Free Access to National Parks and Public Lands
The Department of the Interior and the Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that veterans and Gold Star families will be receiving free lifetime access to national parks, refuges, and other public lands. These families will have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations with many activities including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, camping, stargazing and climbing.
Hearing on the Use of Body Cameras by Officers at Department of the Interior
The House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations this week held a hearing titled Police Cameras at the Department of the Interior: Inconsistencies, Failures, and Consequences.