Baganéwnikan
POLICE
The NHBP Tribal Police Department holds the responsibility of serving, protecting and providing professional law enforcement for the NHBP Community and the Village of Athens.
Hunter Safety Program
The NHBP Tribal Police Department offers a Hunter Safety certification program annually. The Hunter Safety certification is required for anyone to hunt on NHBP Tribal Lands and throughout the State of Michigan. This program provides essential safety training, promotes community outreach, preserves the cultural traditions of the Potawatomi people, and encourages positive relationships with community members.
The program is part of NHBP’s broader effort to protect and monitor natural resources, which are carefully regulated and managed to ensure sustainability. As a sovereign nation, NHBP Tribal Members may obtain licenses to hunt, fish, and trap on tribal properties outside of the State of Michigan’s seasonal timeframes, as governed by the NHBP Tribal Hunting Code.
Each course emphasizes safe hunting practices and provides education on both State Department of Natural Resources regulations and the Tribal Hunting Code. Training has traditionally been offered once a year. However, beginning in 2025, to increase community engagement, additional classes will be offered in central and western Michigan. These courses are offered free of charge to NHBP Tribal Members.
The Hunter Safety program is open to NHBP Tribal Members, employees, and students within the Athens School District. Depending on interest, non-members may also be invited to participate.
Contact:
Sergeant Ryan Pedley
ryan.pedley@nhbp-nsn.gov or 269.729.5222
CAM-JET
NHBP has two evidence technicians who are assigned to a county-wide evidence response team. These members are specially trained in the collection, retention, and preservation of evidence for all manner of crimes. Evidence is collected and either stored for court proceedings or submitted for analysis at the Michigan State Police Crime Lab in Lansing. These officers are utilized only as needed.
CIT TRAINING
All officers of the NHBP Tribal Police Department are Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT). This training is vital to resolving police-public interactions with subjects who may be undergoing a mental crisis. These officers are specially trained in how to interact with subjects and determine the best steps toward resolving a critical incident.
Conservation Officers
NHBP is currently reaffirming treaty rights with the State of Michigan. Part of that process is the establishment of conservation efforts for the NHBP reservation and surrounding areas. These efforts not only include area wildlife but also water and plant life. NHBP has several officers who have received specialized training to ensure that the natural resources in and around the Pine Creek Reservation and watershed are protected and preserved. NHBP officers work closely with the Environmental Department to determine the best methods for resource management. Conservation officers also provide hunter safety training for tribal members and students within the Athens School District. Other programs may also be developed as other interests are discovered.
Contact:
If you have any questions about the NHBP Conservation efforts, please contact Sgt. Ryan Pedley at: 269.270.8414.
Cross-Deputization/Special Law Enforcement Credentials
Officers are sworn to enforce tribal laws on fee/trust lands by the sovereign authority of the Nottawaseppi Huron Potawatomi Constitution. Additionally, all officers are cross deputized in the Village of Athens, both the Calhoun and Branch County Sheriff Departments and Emmett Charter Township. The agreements allow NHBP officers to enforce Michigan State law on non-tribal affiliated suspects. Furthermore, all NHBP officers have received specialized training from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Special Law Enforcement Credential (SLEC) which permits tribal officers to enforce federal law on tribal properties in Branch and Calhoun counties. These efforts are vital to demonstrate tribal sovereignty and ensure the safety of NHBP tribal membership, employees, and the more than 2 million annual visitors to FireKeeper’s Casino and Hotel.
Fusion Center Liaison
The NHBP Tribal Police has one member currently assigned as a liaison with the Battle Creek Police Department’s Fusion Center. The Fusion Center houses members from not only area police agencies, but also Juvenile Probation, Michigan Department of Corrections, Safe Place (Woman’s Shelter), and Child and Adult Protective Services to act as an information clearinghouse. These partners collaborate on issues to determine the best approach and method for resolving them. An example would be a troubled juvenile who has frequent contact with an SRO. Multiple shareholders will meet and discuss determining the best course of action for a positive and lasting solution. NHBP members reside in other jurisdictions and have a presence at the Center, which aids by offering guidance and support when other agencies encounter the unique aspects of tribal culture and law enforcement. Additionally, area law enforcement information is shared so that potential situations can be mitigated with the best use of resources. The liaison meets with the Fusion Center once per week.
Contact:
If you have any questions about the Fusion Center Liaison, please contact Det. Dufraine at: Travon.Dufraine@nhbp-nsn.gov or 269.243-2866.
School Resource Officer (SRO)
NHBP maintains a grant-funded position with the Athens School District for a School Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO is tasked with the safety and crime prevention efforts with the school district. They work closely with school administrators, staff, and parents to resolve issues such as school violence, cyber-bullying, drug possession, and truancy. They receive specialized training in dealing with school/student-based issues. The overall goal is not one based on enforcement, but on a community policing approach to create a safe learning environment and provide services to students in need.
Contact:
If you have any questions about the SRO position, please contact Ofc. Mellinger at 269-704-8386 or Mark.Mellinger@nhbp-nsn.gov.
Special Response Team (SRT)
NHBP Tribal Police currently has three officers assigned to a county-wide Special Response Team (SRT). This team utilized specialized training and equipment to respond to barricade subjects, high-risk and dangerous search warrants, and mass causality incidents. Officers receive additional monthly team-based training with various other law enforcement agencies to potential threats in a deliberate and justified manner.
Contact:
If you have any questions about the Special Response Team (SRT), please contact Sgt. Frank Rugg at 269-704-8386 or francis.rugg@nhbp-nsn.gov.
Unmanned Aerial Systems Team
Tribal Police have joined with law enforcement partners utilizing small unmanned aerial system technology. The use of small, unarmed aerial systems augments the capability of area police for such events as lost children, individuals who have walked away from adult foster care facilities, or other events as needed. Their use can also prevent officers from exposing themselves to unnecessary danger such as searching for an armed subject in a wooded area. These officers train regularly with area officers and are used as needed.
Contact:
If you have any questions about the Unmanned Aerial Systems Team, please contact Sgt. Chard at 269-704-8507 or eric.chard@nhbp-nsn.gov.
Sex Offender Registration
NHBP has enacted a Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), in compliance with Title I of Public Law 109-248. The NHBP Code provides that all individuals who reside within the exterior boundaries of the Pine Creek Indian Reservation or otherwise reside on property owned by the Tribe, in fee or trust, regardless of location, or are employed within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation or on property owned by the Tribe, in fee or trust, regardless of location, or who attend school within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation or on property owned by the Tribe, in fee or trust, regardless of location that have been convicted of a sex offense, are subject to this code and are required to register with the Tribal Police.
Citizen Complaint Form
Please print all information clearly and legibly on the spaces provided so the department’s investigation into your allegations can proceed as quickly as possible. If you need assistance in completing this form, please contact a Police Supervisor.
You will be contacted at a later time with regard to your complaint and the status of the investigation.
Employment Interest
The purpose of this position is the overall patrolling and investigative duties for lands in federal trust, citizens living on Tribal land and Tribal property and any additional jurisdiction pursuant to Tribal statute. The NHBP Police officer reports to the Director of Law Enforcement through the chain of command.
JOB TITLE: Police Officer
Supervisor: Chief of Police
Status: Non-Exempt
Wage: Grade 6 ($27.09-$28.79)
Location: Fulton, MI
- Employees contribute minimal cost sharing towards medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer Paid premiums on short term disability, life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
- Flexible Spending Account for Medical Reimbursement
- 100% Employer paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Dependent Care Reimbursement
- 401K Plan with eligible match
- MERS Plan for Law Enforcement
- A generous paid time off program where all employees begin earning accrued paid time off immediately upon hire
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program with Educational Release Time
- Thirteen Paid Holidays
- Employee wellness and fitness programs
- Opportunities to participate in NHBP Sponsored activities
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer
Interested in joining the NHBP Tribal Police? Fill out the form below or scan the QR code.
Job Interest Form
