Rounds requests creation of commission to address violent crimes on reservations

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has formally requested the establishment of a “Violent Crime Reduction Commission” to tackle the alarming rates of violent crime on reservations. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Rounds emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative approach involving federal officials and tribal leaders.

The request comes after Rounds engaged in discussions with numerous tribal leaders who expressed concerns about the public safety crisis facing Great Plains reservation communities. Reports indicate that some tribes are experiencing violent crime rates that are five times higher than the national average, underscoring the inadequacy of traditional law enforcement methods.

“The situation on these reservations is dire,” Rounds stated. “It is evident that we need innovative solutions to combat the escalating violence and the challenges that come with an influx of narcotics trafficking, which directly harms the health and safety of these communities.”

The proposed commission would bring together officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of the Interior (DOI), and leaders from tribal jurisdictions to collectively address the issues at hand. Rounds insisted that a multi-jurisdictional effort is necessary to effectively combat violent crime and improve the safety of individuals living in these areas.

In his letter, Rounds highlighted the acute shortage of tribal law enforcement officers, with some departments operating with as few as two or three officers on duty during shifts, despite some reservations spanning over one million acres. He has previously taken action to address these issues, including requesting increased support for tribal law enforcement and urging federal agencies to modernize funding formulas associated with public safety programs.

Since June 2023, Rounds has consistently called for federal support to enhance tribal law enforcement capabilities, including meetings with federal officials and proposals for dedicated funding to combat rising crime rates.

As Rounds concluded his correspondence, he reiterated the importance of prioritizing this initiative to ensure a more effective response to the challenges facing the Great Plains reservations and their residents. He stressed the necessity of extensive tribal consultation as a fundamental element in any plan to improve public safety.

Senator Rounds’ call for the commission reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic changes to combat violent crime on reservations, marking a significant step toward addressing this pressing issue.

The post Rounds requests creation of commission to address violent crimes on reservations first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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