BADGES for Native Communities Act

Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act or the BADGES for Native Communities Act

This bill revises federal policies and procedures related to information sharing, reporting, and investigating cases of missing, unidentified, or murdered Indians.

Among other elements, the bill requires the Department of Justice to (1) establish a grant program for specified entities (e.g., tribes) to implement changes to enhance their responses to missing person cases and death investigations of interest to tribes, and (2) work with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that federal training resources and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are available to tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers experiencing occupational stress.

The Department of the Interior must establish a five-year demonstration program for the purpose of conducting or adjudicating personnel background investigations for applicants for law enforcement positions in the BIA.

The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct specified studies, including a study on the evidence collection, handling, and processing procedures and practices of federal law enforcement agencies.

The BADGES for Native Communities Act, also known as Bill 118 s 465, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to improve public safety in Native American communities by providing funding for the hiring and training of additional law enforcement officers.

Specifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act aims to address the shortage of law enforcement personnel in Native American communities by authorizing the Department of Justice to award grants to tribal governments for the recruitment, hiring, and training of new officers. These grants would also be used to provide ongoing training and support for existing law enforcement personnel in order to enhance their effectiveness in addressing crime and ensuring public safety.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the establishment of a national database of missing and murdered Native Americans, as well as the creation of a task force to address the issue of violence against indigenous women and girls. These measures are intended to improve the coordination and response of law enforcement agencies in cases involving Native American victims. Overall, the BADGES for Native Communities Act seeks to address the unique public safety challenges faced by Native American communities and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement in these areas. By providing funding for additional officers, training, and support services, this legislation aims to enhance public safety and reduce crime in Native American communities across the United States.