JACKSON, Wyo. — The U.S. Department of Justice announced in a press release on Thursday, July 10, that the application period is open for federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia to participate in the Tribal Access Program (TAP) for national crime information.
TAP seeks to improve public safety by providing Tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases, such as the FBI’s National Crime Information Center.
According to the press release, the program provides software, hardware and training, as well as a web-based app and biometric/biographic kiosks to process fingerprints, take mugshots and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services systems.
TAP has been used to share information about missing persons, enter domestic violence orders of protection for nationwide enforcement, register convicted sex offenders, run criminal histories, locate fugitives and enter bookings and convictions. Tribes can also use TAP to complete fingerprint record checks for non-criminal purposes, like screening employees or volunteers who work with children. There are currently 149 federally recognized Tribes participating in TAP.
“As a TAP Pilot Tribe, the Cherokee Nation has been participating in TAP for many years,” said Suzanne Drywater, Senior Director of Justice Services for the Cherokee Nation. “From sex offender registrations, law enforcement, foster home certification, human resources and child support, our Tribe has been able to exercise our sovereignty, and TAP has proven to be an invaluable resource that we use daily in a multitude of ways.”
TAP staff will be hosting informational webinars in July and August to describe the program and its capabilities. To apply for TAP and to learn more about the program and the scheduled webinars, visit the Department of Justice website. The application window will remain open until midnight on August 29.
