The SAC and FOX nation of missouri in kansas and nebraska will use funds to strengthen tribal justice system capacity by addressing physical infrastructure needs related to their court and police…

The Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska was awarded a $1,400,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (CFDA 16.596 Tribal Justice Assistance Program) to strengthen the tribal justice system's physical infrastructure. The grant will fund the construction of a permanent modular facility to house the tribal court and police department under one roof, addressing current issues with inadequate space, security, and flood-prone conditions. The new 8,100 sq. ft. facility will provide improved court operations, allow for immediate law enforcement response, and support enhanced justice system services and alternative sentencing options for offenders. This award, with a performance period from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2028, is intended to enhance public safety and access to justice for the Sac & Fox tribal community.

The SAC and FOX nation of missouri in kansas and nebraska will use funds to strengthen tribal justice system capacity by addressing physical infrastructure needs related to their court and police department. As described in a prior assessment, the current court room is located in a building that was cobbled together over the last 80 years pulling multiple smaller structures under a single metal roof. Remodeling this structure was determined to be unfeasible. This facility offers limited meeting space, does not provide secure access for judges and court personnel, and does not provide sufficient space for current staff or growth to promote wellness and enhanced alternative sentencing options for offenders. During a heavy rain, flooding occurred in the court building. At the same time, (at the other end of our tribal operations offices) the police departments septic and drain field system was saturated to the point IT could not function. The proposed permanent modular facility, with the current working draft floor plan of approximately 8,100 SQ. FT., will join police and court under one roof, provide opportunities for immediate law enforcement response and back-up for incidents occurring in court, offer necessary rooms for meetings, mediation and/or training, provide sufficient space for court personnel, and support justice system implementation enhancements.