One of the most dangerous places in America today is Indian Country where American Indians suffer per capita rates of violence twice that of the United States resident population.   The challenges tribal law enforcement face are more unique and difficult than anywhere else in policing.  Often in extremely remote rural areas, some crossing state-line boundaries, tribal law enforcement patrol shifts cover massive territorial stretches with limited or outdated technology at their disposal.

Modernization of public safety has been slow to catch on in Indian Country.

Now, we see key tribes taking that challenge head-on.   They are seeking out and implementing cutting-edge technological solutions to improve public safety.  The Navajo Nation, which includes large sections of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah has been without an operational 911 system.  Starting from scratch has one advantage: without being forced to rebuild an antiquated system and its costly baggage, the Navajo Division of Public Safety is now moving immediately to an enhanced Next Generation 911 system.  As a testament to being on the right road, the United States Department of Homeland Security recently rewarded their plan with a $1.6 million grant for innovation.

Technology can dramatically reduce response time — and reduced response times increase public safety and save lives.