Located:	Skokomish Public Safety
	861 North Tribal Center Road
	Skokomish Nation, WA   98584
Office Hours:	Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Emergency Hours:	24 hours a day, seven days a week
Phone:	(360) 426-4740
Fax:	(360) 877-6672

Summary of Services:

The Skokomish Department of Public Safety places strong emphasis on Community Oriented Policing for Skokomish Tribal members, residents and visitors of the Skokomish Indian Reservation. The department consists of both Patrol and Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Divisions, which help the department obtain its goals of proactively suppressing criminal activity, preventing crime, and protecting the Skokomish Tribe’s interests, lands, and properties. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) currently consists of 11 full time officers (3 of which are assigned primarily to Fish & Wildlife Enforcement) and 2 Provisional Police Officers (1 of which is also assigned to Fish & Wildlife duties.) Two additional positions may be filled in the near future to fulfill upcoming grant requirements. The department also utilizes the services of six Reserve Police Officers. We also employ a full time civilian that acts as Court Clerk and Administrative Assistant. All Skokomish Public Safety Officers are cross trained to perform patrol duties and Fish & Wildlife Enforcement.

Mission Statement:

The Skokomish Department of Public Safety has been granted the responsibility and authority to enforce laws and regulations as set forth by the Skokomish Tribal Council. The primary purpose of the department is to provide for the safety and protection of human life and property. When properly carried out, the enforcement of tribal laws and regulations will enhance and strengthen the development of the Tribe’s human resources, encourage the development of the reservation, and support community values and goals for the achievement of self determination as a Nation. The department further aspires to serve the Skokomish Tribe in a reasonable and prudent manner. The officers of this department are expected to carry out these responsibilities diligently and courteously and take pride in the services in which they provide.

Patrol Division:

The Skokomish Tribal Patrol Division operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. It supports the mission of the department by preserving the peace, conducting investigations of crimes, providing patrols on tribal lands and properties, answering calls for assistance, detecting criminal activities, identifying potential disturbances, enforcing traffic regulations on reservation lands, investigating and responding to accidents, arresting criminal offenders, and providing emergency services for the Skokomish Tribal community.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement:

Skokomish Tribal Fish & Wildlife Enforcement officers are committed to the protection of the Skokomish Tribal treaty fishing, hunting and shellfish rights. Skokomish Fish & Wildlife officers are fully commissioned tribal police officers. They enforce fish, wildlife and environmental laws, patrol fishing sites, inspect nets, check tribal identification, hunting and fishing licenses, monitor fishing, hunting and shellfish locations, and investigate violations of Skokomish Fish and Wildlife, Criminal, and Traffic Codes.

Recent Accomplishments:

• In June, 2003, the Skokomish Department of Public Safety consolidated the Fish and Wildlife Division with the Law Enforcement Division. This action allows for more effective patrol services within reservation boundaries, as well as Fish and Wildlife enforcement on designated tribal lands and Usual and Accustomed areas. This innovative approach to public safety will help maintain order, prevent crime, reduce fear, protect life and property and provide for a safer environment for the citizens of the Skokomish Reservation.


• The department has standardized all vehicles, uniforms, patches, logos, and badges, as well as updated equipment in the patrol vehicles. These upgrades bring greater uniformity to the department and allow its officers to meet the Tribe’s goals of being a professional Tribal Public Safety Department that is responsive to the needs of the Tribal community.


• Thanks to a generous grant recently awarded the Skokomish Tribe from the Federal Government, the Skokomish Department of Public Safety has purchased and placed into service several new patrol vehicles with the latest in law enforcement technological equipment. In addition to two Dodge 4 X 4 SUV’s, two Dodge Ram Fish & Wildlife pick-up trucks and two Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars to add to the fleet, the department has purchased a new 27-foot Arcadia police patrol boat and two All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) for mountain and wood patrols.


• As of March, 2004, all officers of the Skokomish Department of Public Safety will have received Washington State Peace Officer Certification from the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission. This certifies that all DPS officers have received and maintained a level of training and professionalism mandated by the State of Washington and is an essential element towards obtaining and maintaining cross-deputization with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, all Skokomish DPS officers have or will receive federally mandated training from the Bureau of Indian Affairs in order to maintain Federal Special Law Enforcement Commissions (SLEC’s).


• The Skokomish Department of Public Safety is currently an active participant in several regional or local law enforcement task forces. We have become an integral part of the Mason County area Department of Corrections Warrant Service Team. This team is a multi-jurisdictional unit assigned to assist DOC officers during sweeps to pick up violated offenders in various areas of the county. We also participate in “RUAD” or Reducing Under Aged Drinking task force activities. This team is also a multi-jurisdictional unit targeting illegal sales of alcohol/tobacco products to minors. The Skokomish DPS continues to participate in local, regional, and national traffic safety campaigns such as the “Night of a Thousand Stars” (which targets drunk driving) and numerous “Click It or Ticket” (seat belt violations) and “3-Flags” DUI Emphasis Patrols (sponsored by MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission).


• The department has also initiated a very successful Reserve Police Officer program. Reserve Police Officers are trained citizen volunteers who support regular, full-time officers in the performance of their duties. These “reserves” unselfishly donate their time and skills to serving the community without receiving financial compensation. These officers must be 21 years of age and pass a rigorous background investigation. They must also successfully complete a comprehensive 220 hour reserve police academy approved by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Additionally, candidates must be high school graduates or possess a GED, pass a written test and oral interview panel, as well as possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record. Any persons interested in this program should inquire at the Skokomish Department of Public Safety.

All Skokomish Tribal Ordinances and Codes

Related Links