Tribal Police Awarded $890k U.S. Department of Justice Grant

AKWESASNE. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department received notification that they were awarded $889,732 in funding from the U.S. Department of Justice's Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) grant program to strengthen public safety in the Akwesasne community. The grant will be administered through a component of the Department of Justice, known as the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and will help purchase essential law enforcement equipment, including a mobile command center.

"With the increasing need for public safety and challenges associated with community policing, much is required of our tribal police officers and our law enforcement equipment on a daily basis," said Tribal Chief of Police Matthew Rourke. "The CTAS grant serves as recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice of our police department's dedication and commitment to community safety and will help strengthen and enhance our effectiveness at providing adequate, professional and modern policing to the Akwesasne community. I want to recognize the ongoing contributions of our tribal police officers, dispatchers, and department staff; including Office Manager Renee Roundpoint-Adams; for providing information needed for the grant proposal," added Rourke.

The grant award funding will be used to purchase 1) six police cars equipped with in-car technology; such as lights, radios, and radar units; 2) one 23' Duck Water Ocean Boat with a 250HP Mercury motor; 3) one Mobile Command Center with a law enforcement accessory package to increase visibility and response time in the community; and 4) dress uniforms for 30 sworn police officers to be worn as a symbol of honor.

"In a tribal community with so many needs, sufficient resources are needed to support the continuing development of tribal programs and professional services; such as essential services provided by the Tribal Police Department in ensuring ongoing community policing efforts," stated Tribal Chief Michael Conners on behalf of the Tribal Council. Chief Conners added, "The vehicles and equipment will help provide effective community policing and support efforts to quickly respond to suspicious activities, domestic violence, mental health-related and drug-related activities, as well as to strengthen the police department's overall capability."

The CTAS grant program was developed to enhance tribal law enforcement practices in nine purpose areas; including public safety and community policing, justice systems planning, alcohol and substance abuse, corrections and correctional alternatives, violence against women, juvenile justice, and tribal youth programs. The latest grant award represents an increase from the $822,323 previously received in 2016 to support the Tribal Police Department's efforts in providing community policing and ensuring public safety.

"Receiving these grants is an important accomplishment for the Tribe and is vital for the ongoing provision of essential community services," said Executive Director Tsiorasa Barreiro. Barreiro added, "We are appreciative of everyone's efforts who helped prepare, review and submit a deserving proposal, particularly the work of Tribal Grant Development Specialist Lornie Swamp, Corporate Compliance Officer Natalie Hemlock and Grant Writer Patty Francis for ensuring the strongest submission was made for the Tribal Police."

A complete listing of the CTAS awards can be found here. A fact sheet on CTAS is available at http://www.justice.gov/tribal/grants.