To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
SUBJECT:
title
Deputization Agreement between the Yurok Tribe, the County of Humboldt, and the Humboldt County Sheriff for the Deputization of Qualified Yurok Tribal Police Officers
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors approve the Deputization Agreement between the Yurok Tribe, the County of Humboldt, and the Humboldt County Sheriff for the deputization of qualified Yurok Tribal Police Officers in compliance with California Penal Code Sections 830.6 and 830.8; authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign three original copies of the Deputization Agreement and all amendments, extensions or revisions to the document for the term of the agreement; and authorize the Humboldt County Sheriff to sign three (3) original copies of the Deputization Agreement and all amendments, extensions or revisions to the document for the term of the agreement.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
The County of Humboldt, the Humboldt County Sheriff and the Yurok Tribe (Tribe) have utilized cooperative agreements between the parties for the enhancement of public safety services within the boundaries of the Yurok Reservation. These cooperative agreements have been valued by the parties in order to increase law enforcement resources on the Yurok Reservation and to enhance appropriate enforcement of state laws pursuant to Public Law 280.
Having deputized Yurok tribal members (or non-members with an understanding of Tribe’s culture and history) assisting the Sheriff’s Office with its obligations pursuant to Public Law 280 will enhance law enforcement services on the Yurok Reservation within the County of Humboldt. Deputizing tribal members or those familiar with the Tribe will provide invaluable insight when considering the Tribe’s unique culture and history, the geographic remoteness of the Yurok Reservation, and the structure of tribal and federal Indian laws within the exterior boundaries of the Yurok Reservation.
Yurok Tribal Council has agreed to the terms of the Deputization Agreement (Attachment 1) in compliance with California Penal Code Sections 830.6 and 830.8. Once approved by your Board, the Sheriff agrees to deputize qualified Yurok Tribal Police (YTP) officers who have successfully completed the following: a standardized background investigation acceptable to the Sheriff, and the Regular Basic Course for peace officers prescribed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. To maintain reserve deputy status, newly deputized YTP officers must pass the standard 720 hour formal Field Training Program with the Sheriff’s Office. Upon successful completion of the Field Training Program, YTP officers will be recognized as solo beat officers with full reserve deputy status with the Sheriff’s Office. The Tribe agrees that all deputized YTP officers will come under the authority of a Sheriff’s Office supervisor, watch commander, and/or the Sheriff’s designee while performing his or her state law enforcement functions and duties.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
During the term of the Deputization Agreement, the Tribe will cover all costs associated with the fulfillment of the agreement. There will be no additional personnel added and no additional impact to the General Fund.
The Deputization Agreement authorizing the Humboldt County Sheriff to deputize qualified YTP officers meets the Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan by helping to build inter-jurisdictional and regional cooperation and to enforce laws and regulation that protect all residents of Humboldt County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Yurok Tribal Council
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve the Deputization Agreement, however, this is not recommended. If not approved, the sole responsibility for law enforcement activities on the Yurok Reservation will fall to the Sheriff’s Office, requiring additional county funded deputies at the county’s expense.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 Deputization Agreement between the Yurok Tribe, the County of Humboldt, and the Humboldt County Sheriff for the Deputization of Qualified Yurok Tribal Police Officers
Attachment 2 Yurok Tribal Council Resolution and Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: Not applicable.
Meeting of: Not applicable.