Indian tribes to get stimulus funds to fight crime

Posted at: 09/21/2009 3:11 PM
By: SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press Writer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A top U.S. Department of Justice official says the agency is committed to finding solutions to help American Indian communities battle a rising tide of crime and violence in Indian Country.

Justice Department officials are meeting Monday and Tuesday in Albuquerque with Indian leaders and law enforcement experts as part of a national initiative to address tribal justice. Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. and governors from several New Mexico pueblos say the meetings are a step in the right direction. They say they're hopeful the Obama administration will continue to pay attention to Indian issues.

Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli says the Justice Department is awarding more than $82 million in stimulus money for public safety and criminal justice initiatives throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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