Violence against Native women remains a significant public safety issue. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior- Indian Affairs Office, more than 1.5 million American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. Tribal law enforcement officers report persistent challenges in identifying and responding appropriately to victims, navigating victim reluctance to come forward, and accessing adequate victim service resources. To address these challenges, the National Criminal Justice Training Center in partnership with the Tribal Law and Policy Institute developed the Tribal Law Enforcement Victim Services Academy.

About
The Tribal Law Enforcement Victim Services Academy is a 16-week virtual training designed to equip new and current law enforcement officers working in Tribal communities with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to support victims of crime using a culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and victim-centered approach.

Participants will gain the tools and resources needed to strengthen safety, uphold Tribal sovereignty, and enhance justice for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking.

Time commitment for the Academy is up to 2.5 hours per week. To be approved for this Academy, you must receive approval from your supervisor for this dedicated commitment. Your approving authority information is collected during the registration process for follow-up purposes. Please expect to participate in LIVE online instructor-led lectures held each week, as well as discussion boards, and independent study.

LIVE Lecture dates and topics are listed below:

• Week 1 | May 13, 2026 – Introduction to Victim-Centered Policing in Tribal Communities
• Week 2 | May 20, 2026 – First Responder Responsibilities and Crisis Response
• Week 3 | May 27, 2026 – Intervention and De-Escalation Techniques
• Week 4 | June 3, 2026 – Developing Effective Working Relationships with Victim Services
• Week 5 | June 10, 2026 – Brain Under Siege – Understanding Trauma’s Impact on Victims
• Week 6 | June 19, 2026 – Victim’s Rights and Law Enforcement’s Role
• Week 7 | June 24, 2026 – Engaging Victims in the Healing Process
• Week 8 | July 8, 2026 – Investigating Domestic Violence in Tribal Communities
• Week 9 | July 15, 2026 – Sexual Assault Response and Investigations in Tribal Communities
• Week 10 | July 22, 2026 – Stalking and Protection Order Enforcement
• Week 11 | July 29, 2026 – Human Trafficking in Indian Country
• Week 12 | August 5, 2026 – Protecting Generations – Law Enforcement’s Role with Child and Elder Abuse in Tribal Communities
• Week 13 | August 12, 2026 – Enhancing Prosecution Outcomes in Tribal and Federal Cases
• Week 14 | August 19, 2026 – Sustaining Victim-Centered Policing Through Policy, Outreach, and Wellness
• Week 15 | August 26, 2026 – Protecting the Protector – Officer Wellness and the Cost of Caring
• Week 16 | September 9, 2026 – Bringing it all Together: Case Application, Reflection, and Moving Forward

Note: Live sessions are 90 minutes on the dates identified above. All sessions will start at 2:00 pm ET / 1:00 pm CT / 12:00 pm MT / 11:00 am PT / 10:00 am AK

What’s In It For You
Successful completion of this academy will help law enforcement

• Improve on-scene performance
• Produce stronger, defensible cases
• Reduce legal and jurisdictional risk
• Build community trust
• Sustain officer effectiveness and wellness

Is This Training For You?
Priority registrations given to Tribal law enforcement or law enforcement providing services to Tribal communities.
Students are required to have working internet with audio and a working microphone.

• Law Enforcement Professional