Law | Politics

Senate panel takes up Indian law enforcement

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

INDIANZ.COM LISTENING LOUNGE
Senate Indian Affairs Committee field hearing on Law and Order in Indian Country. March 17, 2008.
• Opening Statements

• Panel 1 Testimony [not complete]

• Panel 2 Testimony [fragment] | Q&A

• Written Testimony

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a field hearing in Arizona on Monday to address law enforcement issues in Indian Country.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota), the chairman of the committee, and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona) attended the hearing. It took place on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Phoenix.

Tribal leaders said they need more funding for police officers, courts and detention facilities. They said certain crimes go unpunished by the federal and state governments.

Diane Humetewa, a member of the Hopi Tribe who serves as U.S. Attorney of Arizona, said federal prosecutors bring cases when there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. Unless the statute of limitations runs out, cases that are declined can be filed at a later date, she said.

The hearing was webcast but the feed cut out during the first panel of witnesses. It came back as the second panel was wrapping up its testimony.

Get the Story:
Tribes seek more federal funds for law enforcement (The East Valley Tribune 3/17)

Relevant Documents:
Concept Paper | Press Release