Violent Crimes High on Reservation

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By Madelyn Jarrett

Story Published: Jun 23, 2008 at 9:52 PM MST

Story Updated: Jun 23, 2008 at 9:52 PM MST

BILLINGS - A shocking statistic about violent crime on reservations has the federal government recommending more resources for tribes. Those familiar with the problem say that's exactly what's needed.

Federal statistics show American Indians are victims to violent crime at more that twice the national rate. Senators are pushing legislation that would assist tribes in enforcing and prosecuting those crimes. Steve Juneau, who used to work with Bureau of Indian Affairs, says nationally tribal police departments are staffed at around 44% of where they should be, making it tough to respond to calls, let alone work on prevention.

"{They're}so busy responding to calls for service that it's hard for them to implement anything like intelligence led policing, community policing, anything proactive."

Juneau estimates that the Blackfeet Tribe currently employs only 13 officers, while they need nearly three times that amount.

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