News Release Archive

Tribal Law Enforcement Trained to Assist Feds

Media Contact: Lynne Brougher, (509) 633-9503, 08/05/2015 12:50
Venetia Gempler, vmgempler@usbr.gov

For Release: August 05, 2015

GRAND COULEE, Washington - At the request of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Bureau of Reclamation is delegating authority to enforce federal laws on Reclamation lands within the exterior boundary of the Colville Reservation to certified Tribal police officers. The delegation of authority does not include enforcement of any hunting, fishing or boating regulations.

Colville Tribal Police will join other law enforcement organizations around the Grand Coulee/Lake Roosevelt area to enforce civil laws and expand law enforcement presence around Lake Roosevelt which is a popular recreation destination.

"This is a historic milestone," said Michael Henry, Confederated Colville Tribal Police Chief. "This effort will bridge a gap in law enforcement as well as strengthen the partnership between the Bureau and the Tribe ensuring public safety and protection of important and valuable resources."

"With the delegation of authority, the Colville Tribal Police Department will be able to conduct routine law enforcement and perform investigations," said Bruce Muller, Reclamation Director Security, Safety and Law Enforcement. "Specifically, officers will be able to respond, patrol, address public safety and enforce federal laws on Reclamation lands within the exterior boundaries of the Colville Reservation."

The new delegation should increase public safety by providing more law enforcement coverage on Reclamation lands within the exterior boundaries of the reservation. Map available at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/delegation/index.html .

Reclamation is hosting a public informational meeting at the Lake Roosevelt High School library Aug. 19, 2015, beginning at 6 p.m. local time. This facility is accessible to people with disabilities. Please contact Lynne Brougher at 509-633-9503 or TTY-711 for hearing impaired or other auxiliary aids by Aug. 12, 2015.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/delegation/index.html