The Washington Post describes how the Justice Department is working to lower crime in Indian Country. A year ago, Federal law gave American Indian tribes more authority to combat crime. However, few actually acted on it either because they were happy with their current system or couldn’t afford to change.

Now, the government is working with them to train tribal police as well as increase sentencing for certain crimes.

Felicia Fonseca of the AP wrote:

According to the federal government, violent crime rates on Indian reservations are more than twice the national rate, and there is an epidemic of domestic and sexual violence in Indian Country, along with high instances of child abuse, teen suicide and substance abuse. Federal officials have also said there is a proliferation of gang activity on reservations, and yet law enforcement recruitment and retention across Indian Country lag far behind the rest of the nation.

Several reservations are accepting the help. The Navajo, as they are a sovereign nation, are not as easily swayed.