Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act

Enhanced Authority for Tribal Officers: Tribal officers who have contracted or compacted Federal law enforcement functions can have the authority to enforce Federal law within their tribe's jurisdiction, provided they meet specific training, background, and certification requirements (Section 2(a)).

Legal Protections and Status: Tribal officers acting under specific authority will be deemed Federal law enforcement officers for the purposes of specific sections of the United States Code, including the Federal Tort Claims Act (Section 2(b)).

Retirement and Service Benefits: The bill allows for the voluntary participation of Tribal officers, which includes the ability to purchase service credit for prior years of service (Section 2(c)(1)(B)(ii)).

Improved Public Safety Oversight: The Attorney General is tasked with coordinating and providing oversight for Department of Justice activities to ensure a coordinated approach to public safety, accountability, and compliance with Federal law in Indian communities (Section 3).

Training and Data Improvements: The bill calls for robust training and the comprehensive evaluation of data to improve public safety approaches in Indian communities (Section 3).

Stringent Requirements for Tribal Officers: To exercise the authority granted by this act, Tribal officers must complete training comparable to Bureau employees, pass adjudicated background investigations, and receive specific certification (Section 2(a)(1)).

Policy Requirements for Tribes: For officers to have the authority to enforce Federal law, the Indian tribe must adopt policies and procedures that meet or exceed those of the Office of Justice Services of the Bureau (Section 2(a)(2)).

Mandatory Bridge Program: Tribal officers who choose to attend State or equivalent training programs instead of the Indian Police Academy are required to attend the Bridge Program of the Indian Police Academy or an equivalent program before receiving certification (Section 2(c)(2)).