The Tribal Law and Order Act opens two grant programs to Alaska tribes, where law enforcement has been hindered by a lack of funds.

Tribes can apply for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. The money can be used to pay for the salaries of village safety public officers, whose funding would otherwise come from the state of Alaska.

“The VPSOs are the police department, the fire department, the EMS and search and rescue all rolled into one,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), told The Homer Tribune. “It is only fair that rural Alaska Native communities have the same access to public safety funds that communities and cities across America have.”

Tribal organizations, as well as the state government itself, are also eligible to apply for COPS and SAFER grants under the new law.

Get the Story:
Villages get COPS (The Homer Tribune 8/4)

Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act:
H.R.725

Tribal Law and Order Act:
S.797 | H.R.1924

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