Indian Country Law Enforcement Coordination – BIA Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) Training

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, presented a Criminal Justice in Indian Country (CJIC) training seminar to more than 50 law enforcement officers from New Mexico, Arizona, California, Montana, Oklahoma, Wyoming and South Dakota to obtain their BIA Special Law Enforcement Commissions (SLEC).  SLECs are force multiplier because they permit tribal, local, county and tribal officers to assist in federal investigations of major crimes occurring in Indian Country.  The three-day training seminar took place at the BIA’s National Training Center in Albuquerque.  Eight NM Assistant U.S. Attorneys presented on topics including Indian Country criminal jurisdiction, federal search and seizure, and tort liability.  At the conclusion of the seminar, the officers took an examination to receive their certification.  AUSA/Tribal Liaison David Adams coordinated the seminar along with the BIA. Since Oct. 2015, the District of New Mexico has trained over 120 law enforcement officers to become eligible to receive their SLEC.