Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Justice Department refuses to release Indian crime data

Justice Department refuses to release Indian crime data

Sep 19, 2008 - 04:05:18 CDT

By MARY CLARE JALONICK
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department is refusing to provide statistics to Congress that would show how many crimes the federal government declines to prosecute on Indian reservations.

North Dakota U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley delivered that message to frustrated senators at a hearing Thursday, saying that releasing the information could compromise the safety and privacy of victims and witnesses.

North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, criticized the Justice Department for that decision, along with Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Jon Tester, D-Mont.

"Something's desperately wrong and we need to find a way to fix it," Dorgan said.

Federal statistics have shown American Indians are the victims of violent crime at 2.5 times the national rate, with rates of homicide and domestic violence much higher than national averages.

Dorgan has asked the federal government to elaborate on statistics released by Syracuse University that say the Justice Department declined to prosecute 62 percent of Indian Country crimes between 2004 and 2007. That includes 50 percent of reservation murders, 72 percent of child sex crimes and 76 percent of adult rapes.

Wrigley defended the work of the department and said the data would not paint an accurate picture of their work because crimes in Indian country are often tracked differently from other crimes.

"Indeed such publication would simply create fodder for false comparisons that would inevitably prove corrosive," Wrigley said.

Dorgan said previous congressional testimony has shown that Indian crimes are low priority in some prosecutors' offices.

"Unfortunately, some offices have taken an out-of-sight, out-of-mind attitude with regard to our obligation in Indian Country," he said, calling the system "a proven failure."

Dorgan recently introduced a bill that would aim to fight high crime levels on American Indian reservations by boosting tribal law enforcement and improving coordination between federal and local authorities.

News > State

Printer friendly version Justice Department refuses to release Indian crime data

Comments

a new reader wrote on Sep 20, 2008 1:56 AM:

" the republican shows with his McCain attitude that Obama needs to be put in as the President, thanks grouchy republican. "

bigpoppakdog wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:53 PM:

" to chatter: although I understand the point you were trying to make, please remember these people were promised(bound by treaties) many things including money for the holocaust style of treatment they were subject too not so many years ago. This is the forgotten race in American. Always about black vs white and slavery. Do I know what the solution is? No. But taking away money is definately not a step in the right direction. "

Dougy wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:45 PM:

" To: Native Women

I totally agree that law enforcement should be incorporated like reservations in other states have done or otherwise dramatically overhauled. What I do not agree with is the idea that if Native Americans stop receiving their payments guaranteed by Congress, this will somehow make the Department of Justice want to reveal records outlining their lack of enforcement on the reservations. "

livewit wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:30 PM:

" My daughter was sexually victimized years ago (less than 8) by a relative, female, and as soon as I found out about it, I reported it and guess what ? NOTHING!!! No real investigation, no prosecution, absolutely nothing! I am getting her help and although thats the real issue I'm concerned about, what about the sickos this sort of thing only makes them at ease to commit thier acts of crime? Makes me want to puke. What it really comes down to is they only prosecute cimes that are open and shut type cases or the cases w/ a significant amount of political push behind them. "

L wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:31 AM:

" I'm not attorney, and not a law enforcement officer.....my understanding is that crimes still under investigation could be considered confidential, but otherwise aren't these types of records considered 'public records?' Obviously not, I guess.... "

MamaMia wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:27 AM:

" Dougy: Thanks for setting the record straight. Much appreciated! "

just me wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:24 AM:

" just kick all the white people off American Indian Land. Or stop trying to run the reservation life. Mind your own business! Lets get the stat's on white people drinking EVERYNIGHT in the bars in BISMARCK AND MANDAN vs the Native Americans. "

native women wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:00 AM:

" To Dougy:

All that you stated is true and most Native Americans are aware we are entitled to free health care (I.H.S) and compensation for the land and lives that were taken from our ancestors. Living on the reservation is not only a hardship but in the same breath it is our home. We need to start from the source of the problem we may need to have the state take over our judicial system, becuase time and time again our tribal courts are not accountable due to monies, polcitics or not enough man power. The people who break the laws are slapped on the wrist and given minimal sentencres. "

Dougy wrote on Sep 19, 2008 10:36 AM:

" To Chatter and Grumpy Old Republican:

The article states the Justice Department denied the request not Native Americans, so your anger would be better directed to them. Secondly, all monies received by Tribes from the Federal Government are payments for land and mineral resources. These were guaranteed by treaties with the Congress to be in perpetuity (forever). This will not change no matter how you vote or who gets elected. I don't mean to be condescending but it makes you look very ignorant when you comment on articles without any knowledge or understanding of the subject at hand. As a Native American - I too am outraged that these records are not released, for one because they aren't deemed confidential anywhere else, and secondly the Justice Department is supposed to be transparent. However I repeat for anyone that might be confused, the Justice Department is a branch of the US Government and not a tribal entity. "

Columbus Decendent wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:44 AM:

" I think the different treatment comes from getting pushed onto these reservations with bribes and promises that have been broken. So in turn the goverment is trying to compensate what your ancestors or great grandpa had plagued us with. Which Is good but the sad thing is that on the reservations people are taking advantage of the law enforcement and that makes my heart heavy. I guess we just need to make headlines from time to time so you can comment with your opinions "

Chatter wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:08 AM:

" Since the tax payors $$ is given to governement which is then given to the reservation/tribes then the goverment is entitled to any and all documents it needs/requests. How can the govenment help the people on the reservations if they are living in their own world by their own rules then the rest of America. Stop the funds going to the tribes/reservations and change will be seen. "

Enough Already wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:07 AM:

" The rates are pretty sad for indian country. "

Grumpy Old Republican wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:04 AM:

" So...are Native Americans placed upon a pedestal above the law? Or are they buried under the rug like they don't matter? What gives with the different treatment? If our tax dollars are being squandered to support the non-self-supporting element, shouldn't we at least be entitled to the truth and the facts? Lord knows there's no return on that investment...we could at least get some honesty. "

Why Not wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:28 AM:

" The data would show that Wrigley's office is not doing its job. If Wrigley cared so much about the victims, he would prosecute the criminals, plain and simple. "

No name wrote on Sep 19, 2008 4:59 AM:

" It just goes to show who is running this country. Not our elected officials, but the lawyers. Congress needs to hold back funding and flex some muscle! "

Post Your Own Comment

All online comments are limited to 350 words total.
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.