Author: Alex Tortes

Publisher:

Published: 2012-09-12

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 9780615683645

A User-friendly PL 280 Resource Guide offers a unique perspective on Public Law 280 (PL 280). Why is jurisdiction in Indian country like playing a game of Twister? This resource guide will serve as the "tour guide," directing the reader down the path of the evolution of jurisdiction in Indian country. The book's presentation gives its reader a broad perspective, beginning with the indigenous sovereign nations and following the historical twists and turns that have created the puzzling tribal, federal and state jurisdictions that exist today in Indian country. PL 280 was the legal vehicle which allowed the federal government to transfer certain jurisdiction to the states. This transfer of jurisdiction, especially criminal jurisdiction, has created a multitude of issues. Both Native Americans and the myriad of individuals who work or interact within tribal communities have been forced to make sense of this convoluted law. The goal of A User-friendly PL 280 Resource Guide is to take the mystery out of PL 280 and help the reader unravel the tangled jurisdictional maze that is seen in Indian country today. Although PL 280 became a law over a half a century ago, it has managed to remain elusive. No more hiding in the shadows or being camouflaged in highbrowed legalese! Let's grab PL 280 by the collar and confront it face-to-face.The book's distinctive style and easy-to-understand format, along with its fun illustrations and charts, make for enjoyable learning. It features interesting icon navigation.A User-friendly PL 280 Resource Guide is ideal for tribal members and communities, police/sheriff departments, federal and state authorities, public safety and fire personnel, social services and court personnel, as well as those just interested in the history of the Indians and Indian country.Although this book targets those who are impacted by PL 280, the message goes beyond PL 280 jurisdictional areas. This is because the history of jurisdiction in Indian country was essentially the same for all North American tribal communities until 1953.Authors:Alex Tortes is a tribal member of the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe. Alex was born at the Soboba Indian Hospital in southern California. He is a father of four children, and proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren.Alex has over 30 years of law enforcement experience. He served on the Riverside Police Department where he promoted to the rank of Lieutenant/Area Commander. Some of his assignments included patrol, traffic, detective bureau, narcotics unit, special enforcement (SWAT), gangs, and special operations.Alex has a Bachelor's Degree and has earned a Vocational Teaching Credential. He is an instructor for the State of California's Peace Officer Training and Standards (POST), teaching both classes on "Policing Native American Communities" and "Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault for First Responders on Tribal Lands". Alex has also served as a consultant for the US Department of Justice, Community Policing Consortium.Alex was the founding member of the Tribal Liaison Unit for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Alex also serves as the Executive Director of Nexus Community Solutions.Cindy Pierce has two daughters and two granddaughter. She worked with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff where she began her involvement working with tribal communities, focusing on community oriented policing. Cindy continued her work with tribal communities as a member of the Tribal Liaison Unit for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. This position has given her valuable experience working in Indian country as well as with local, state and federal agencies. She currently works together with Alex as an instructor/consultant with Nexus Community Solutions, a business dedicated to connecting tribal communities with public safety and service providers.