The Office of Justice Programs' (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is committed to preventing and controlling crime, violence, and substance abuse, and improving the functioning of the criminal justice system. As a key part of this commitment, BJA administers Tribal programs to help reduce and prevent crime and violence in Indian Country.

BJA recognizes the critical role Tribal courts play in Indian Country. Through the Tribal Courts Program (TCAP), BJA helps Tribes develop and improve their justice systems. Tribes can use program funds for purposes such as hiring personnel, purchasing equipment, developing a criminal code, and enhancing prosecution and indigent defense. BJA works with the Tribal Judicial Institute at the University of North Dakota Law School, the National Tribal Justice Resource Center, the National Tribal Judicial Center, and the Center for Court Innovation to conduct trainings for tribal court officials representing hundreds of tribal justice systems.

In Fiscal Year 2008, BJA will offer two trainings in Alaska that address the unique needs of Alaskan tribal court professionals and judges. Additional information on TCAP is available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/tribal.html. More information on TCAP training and technical assistance is available through the National Tribal Justice Resource Center at http://www.njtrc.org.

In addition, BJA's Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (IASAP) Program helps Tribal communities control and prevent crimes related to alcohol and controlled substances. Program grantees form partnerships including law enforcement, the courts, treatment provided and community members. Funds can be used for planning, prevention, enforcement, and prosecution. In Fiscal Year 2008, the program is focusing attention on law enforcement mentoring partnerships, multijurisdictional law enforcement coordination, and tribal/state strategic planning. More information on IASAP is available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/indian.html.

The application periods for both the Tribal Courts Program and the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Demonstration Program have closed. Awards are expected by the end of the Fiscal Year.

BJA has also developed a methamphetamine investigation training specifically tailored to Tribal law enforcement. This course provides Tribal law enforcement what they need to know to conduct successful and safe methamphetamine investigations. Nearly 200 Tribal law enforcement officers have been trained through this initiative. More information about this course is available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/topics/law_enforce.html.