H.R. 4712 — Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act

This section authorizes law enforcement officers of an Indian tribe that has contracted or compacted Federal law enforcement functions under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (Tribal officers) to enforce Federal law within the tribe's jurisdiction, provided they complete training and background checks comparable to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Office of Justice Services (OJS) employees, receive OJS certification, and the tribe adopts equivalent BIA policies and procedures. Tribal officers are deemed Federal law enforcement officers, subject to Secretary guidance, for purposes of (1) 18 U.S.C. §§111 and 1114 (assaults on Federal officers); (2) 5 U.S.C. chapters 83 and 84 (retirement benefits); (3) the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. chapter 171); and (4) Federal workers' compensation (5 U.S.C. chapter 81, subchapter III). Not later than two years after enactment, the Secretary must develop Tribal officer credentialing procedures and issue implementation guidance in consultation with tribes, including provisions for voluntary position-by-position participation, prior service credit purchases, participation by officers funded by Department of Justice grants, and recognition of tribal mandatory retirement ages exceeding Federal limits; Tribal officers attending non-Indian Police Academy training must complete the Indian Police Academy Bridge Program (or equivalent) for certification.

This section directs the Attorney General, acting through the Deputy Attorney General, to coordinate and provide oversight for all Department of Justice activities, responsibilities, functions, and programs related to public safety in Indian communities to ensure a coordinated approach, accountability, and compliance with federal law, including (1) timely submission of reports to Congress; (2) robust training, as required under federal law or as needed or requested by Indian Tribes or federal and state officials, on public safety in Indian communities and related training outcomes; (3) updating and improving United States Attorney operational plans; (4) comprehensive evaluation and analysis of data, including approaches to collecting better data, relating to public safety in Indian communities; and (5) other duties or responsibilities as needed to improve public safety in Indian communities.