The Washington State Fusion Center’s Fusion Liaison Officer (FLO) program started in December 2010 with 19 students from around the state. In this program, the Fusion Center trains public and private sector representatives who are positioned to help identify and report suspicious activities. (Read more about the Washington State Fusion Center and FLO program in Kshemendra Paul’s recent blog post.)

Last week, I traveled to Oklahoma City to testify as part of a two-person panel, Law Enforcement in Indian Country from the Federal Perspective, before the Indian Law and Order Commission.

The Indian Country Section of the International Association of Chiefs of Police recently honored Lieutenant Yuma House of the Lower Brule Police Department in South Dakota as the 2011 Indian Country Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for the United States, First Nations, or Aboriginal Law Enforcement Officers.

Last week, the White House celebrated the Tribal Law and Order Act’s one year anniversary. This law is significantly increasing federal and tribal information sharing and “the federal government’s ability to work with Indian tribes in the investigation and prosecution of crime impacting tribal communities.” ^[1] Further, it reduced confusion about authorities and prosecution.

On May 5th I had the honor of speaking at the 20th Annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Service at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico.

Good morning. I recently joined the office of the PM-ISE as a Tribal Advisor after spending many years in law enforcement. In my new role, I will represent the concerns and interests of Indian Country Law Enforcement as it relates to the Information Sharing Environment. I feel very fortunate that I will be able to continue my passion representing Indian Country while continuing to help protect the Nation.