Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: For two weeks this month, the FBI and its partners from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal law enforcement agencies will participate in specialized training on investigating crimes in Indian Country.

The average violent crime rate in Indian Country is historically nearly three times higher than the national average—and up to 15 times higher on some reservations.

The FBI investigates the most serious crimes in Indian Country, such as child sexual and physical abuse, adult rape, and violent assault.

Unit Chief Donald Lee says the cutting-edge training equips FBI agents and their partners with best practices while enhancing collaboration.

Donald Lee: We continue to try to develop and implement strategies to address the most egregious crime problems in Indian Country.

Halpern: FBI agents who investigate Indian Country crimes are generally stationed in remote, hostile environments. Supervisory Special Agent Steven Payne says that’s one reason the additional training is important.

Steven Payne: When you combine that with a complex crime scene that’s outdoors when you’ve got a storm system moving through and you’ve only got a couple of people to process that, it’s very, very challenging.

Halpern: To learn more about the FBI’s role in Indian Country, visit www.fbi.gov. I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau with FBI, This Week.