Campbell Introduces Tribal Detention Facilities Reforms
Washington, D.C. — Today Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) introduced legislation
to provide broad-sweeping reforms to the Indian tribal detention facilities system. The bill
directs the Secretary of Interior to create a new branch of detention services, establish clear
lines of authority and clear protocols on the reporting of serious incidents and escapes.
The Campbell bill, called the Indian Country Detention Facility Reform Act of 2004, is co-sponsored
by Senators X, Y and Z and comes after the Committee on Indian Affairs’ hearing on June 23, 2004,
regarding conditions at Federal and tribal detention facilities.
Earl Devaney, Inspector General for the Interior Department, testified that the system is “riddled
with problems and, in our opinion, is a national disgrace with many facilities having conditions
comparable to those found in third-world countries.”
An Office of Inspector General Report released in April of 2004 described the conditions at the
facilities as “deplorable” and potentially “life-threatening”.
“What the Committee heard at the hearing was reiterated in the IG’s report and is very disturbing
to me and all the members of the Committee [on Indian Affairs].
It is just unacceptable that these conditions are allowed to go on but I am frankly very encouraged
by the actions of the Department of Interior and [Assistant Secretary] Dave Anderson who is taking
this bull by the horns”, said Campbell, an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Campbell’s bill will require preliminary inquiries into any serious incidents to determine the need
for full investigations and require a full report on the conditions and needs of detention facilities,
including staffing needs.
“It is important that Congress provide guidance to the Bureau and the tribes on what is expected of
them in terms of the quality and conditions of their detention facilities and I see no reason why the
Congress can’t pass this bill and send it to the President before we leave for the year”, said Campbell.
The legislation will likely be considered by the Committee when the Senate reconvenes in September.
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JULY 22, 2004
For More Information
Contact PAUL MOOREHEAD
(202) 224-2251