Baganéwnikan
POLICE
Policing in Indian County is a different type of profession.
Serving as a Tribal Police Officer requires a broad range of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Officers must be prepared to work within Tribal, local, state, and federal law—often determining which laws and authorities apply based on the location, circumstances, and individuals involved. Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribal Police Officers are licensed through the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) and receive extensive training beyond the basic requirements of a traditional patrol officer.
NHBP officers will also receive federal law-enforcement authority through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) program after successfully completing the required federal training.
Beginning in 2026, officers will also begin to complete lateral training as firefighters, further expanding the department’s public-safety capabilities with the surrounding communities.
An NHBP Tribal Police Officer can expect to handle everything from conservation violations, gaming fraud, crash investigation, community policing, multi-agency human trafficking operations, and violent-crime response throughout Southwest Michigan. Few law-enforcement positions provide the same variety of assignments, jurisdictions, training, and opportunities. The result is a law-enforcement career unlike most others.
You will not just be a “Tribal Officer.”
NHBP offers competitive compensation and a strong benefits package designed to attract and retain professional law-enforcement officers.
Patrol Officer wages range from approximately $30.00 to $31.64 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
The department’s jurisdiction and partnerships give officers exposure to a wide variety of communities, investigations, and policing environments while developing experience that would be difficult to obtain at many traditional agencies. NHBP Tribal Police Officers can, under certain circumstances, operate across a broad area of Southwest Michigan. They can work alongside Tribal, municipal, county, state, and federal law-enforcement partners. Each NHBP Tribal Police Officer is deputized by the sheriff in counties where the Tribal Police maintain cross-deputation agreements.
Currently, NHBP Tribal Police Officers serve as sworn sheriff’s deputies in Calhoun, Branch, and St. Joseph Counties, as well as Emmett Charter Township and Union City. NHBP also maintains a policing contract with the Village of Athens and the Athens School District.
How we’ll prepare you:
NHBP Tribal Police uses a hybrid Patrol Training Officer/Field Training Officer program to train and evaluate newly hired officers. The goal is not simply to produce an officer who meets minimum standards but one that can operate independently. Our goal is to develop a highly trained, confident, motivated, and professional police officer capable of exceeding those standards.
New officers generally spend approximately six to sixteen weeks on field training, depending on their previous experience, demonstrated abilities, and individual training needs. Additionally, after being hired, all new employees will attend a three-day orientation hosted by NHBP Human Resources to get an overall snapshot of the entire NHBP organization.
Our training officers serve as both instructors and mentors. They work directly with new officers to develop the knowledge, judgment, decision-making skills, officer-safety practices, investigative abilities, and professional standards necessary to succeed.
Because NHBP officers operate in several jurisdictions, newly hired officers will also spend time working with partnering agencies. This will provide officers with firsthand familiarity with:
- Host agencies policies and procedures
- Patrol operations
- Dispatch practices
- Report-writing requirements
- Local ordinances
- Court systems and processes
- Geography
- Community expectations
By the completion of the training program, an NHBP officer is prepared to operate effectively within the unique environment of Tribal policing and alongside law-enforcement partners throughout Southwest Michigan.
One badge. Multiple jurisdictions. Local, state, Tribal, and federal authority. A career with opportunities few agencies can offer. Tribal policing is unique.
Police Department Staff
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Department Command Staff consists of the chief, two patrol sergeants, one training sergeant, one conservation sergeant, and one office facilitator. Investigative personnel are comprised of one detective and one human trafficking investigator (currently assigned to the SouthWest Enforcement Team). There are currently eight patrol officers. Vacancies exist.
Uniformed Patrol
NHBP currently has eight uniformed officers assigned to uniformed patrol. They are responsible for handling 911 calls for service ranging widely from disorderly persons at FireKeepers Casino Hotel to domestic violence incidents with the areas served by NHBP Tribal Police.
Officers patrol in marked vehicles, interact with members of surrounding communities and patrons at FKCH in a professional manner. They make probable cause and warrant arrests and complete warrant packages to be reviewed by surrounding prosecutors’ offices as well as civil and criminal charges submitted to the NHBP Tribal Prosecutor.
The position is demanding as each officer must know the intricacies of policing in Indian Country.
Complaint/Victim Follow-Up Information
If you have filed a complaint or reported a crime to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Department and wish to follow up in regard to your report, please contact the police officer who originally took the report.
Provide the officer with the complaint number of the report you are referencing. Be prepared to give additional information about the incident to him/her as needed. S/He may refer you to the Detective Bureau for follow-up, depending on the incident. Both the Patrol Division and the Detective Unit can be reached at the main station at 269.729.5222.
Investigations
NHBP currently has two plainclothes investigators, one detective and one human trafficking investigator. The Detective conducts follow-up investigations into criminal activity by interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects; collecting and evaluating evidence; reviewing reports, records, video, and digital information; and developing investigative leads. They prepare and execute search and arrest warrants, coordinate with prosecutors and partner agencies, conduct surveillance and specialized investigative operations, and identify, locate, and arrest offenders. They work closely with special agents from the FBI’s regional office in Kalamazoo. They maintain detailed case files, prepare cases for prosecution, testify in court, assist patrol officers with complex investigations, and ensure investigations are conducted lawfully, thoroughly, and in accordance with departmental policy.
NHBP has one Human Trafficking Investigator who conducts proactive and follow-up investigations involving human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and related offenses. Their duties include identifying victims and offenders, interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects, conducting surveillance and undercover operations, analyzing digital and financial evidence, preparing search and arrest warrants, and coordinating with prosecutors and partner agencies. The investigator works closely with victim-service providers to ensure a trauma-informed, victim-centered response, develop intelligence, participate in multi-agency operations and task forces, provide training and community outreach, maintains detailed case files, and prepares cases for successful prosecution. They coordinate human trafficking counter operations in Southwest Michigan working with multiple law enforcement agencies at the Tribal, local, state, and federal level.
Law Enforcement Services
Cross-Deputization/Special Law Enforcement Credentials (SLEC)
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 FireKeepers Casino Hotel.
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
CAST (Calhoun Aerial Support 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 Calhoun Aerial Support Team, please contact Sergeant Chard at 269.704.8507 or eric.chard@nhbp-nsn.gov.
Calhoun Area Multi-Jurisdiction Evidence Team (CAM-JET)
NHBP has two evidence technicians who are assigned to the Calhoun Area Multi-Jurisdiction Evidence Team (CAM-JET), 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 as needed.
Contact:
If you have any questions about evidence handling or collection, please contact Officer Nava at holly.nava@nhbp-nsn.gov.
Natural Resources and Conservation
NHBP is currently reaffirming treaty rights with the State of Michigan. Part of that process is the establishment of conservation efforts for the Pine Creek Indian 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 Indian 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 NHBP’s conservation efforts, please contact Sergeant Ryan Pedley at 269.270.8414.
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 (Women’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 Detective Mandoka at Alex.Mandoka@nhbp-nsn.gov or 269.243.2866.
Public Safety Pilot Program
NHBP is launching a Public Safety Training Program beginning in late 2026 to cross-train Tribal police officers in firefighting and advanced medical response. The program is expected to continue through 2030, with the goal of eventually having all department personnel trained to assist with fire suppression, medical emergencies, crashes, rescues, and other critical incidents. The initiative is not intended to replace or supplant township fire departments or EMS providers. Instead, cross-trained NHBP Officers will provide supplemental response capabilities, strengthen mutual-aid partnerships, improve regional emergency response, and increase the number of trained personnel available during major incidents or high-demand situations.
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 Officer Mellinger at 269.704.8386 or Mark.Mellinger@nhbp-nsn.gov.
Special Response Team (SRT)
NHBP Tribal Police currently has one officer assigned to a county-wide Special Response Team (SRT). This team utilizes 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 Sergeant Frank Rugg at 269.704.8386 or francis.rugg@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
This form should be used to register a complaint against any employee of the Huron Potawatomi Police Department whose conduct, behavior, or actions is considered improper, unnecessary, or inappropriate.
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 later with regard to your complaint and the status of the investigation.
Police Records Request
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (“NHBP”) is a sovereign Tribal Nation. NHBP records are not subject to the federal or Michigan Freedom of Information Act unless NHBP has expressly agreed otherwise. Records maintained by the NHBP Tribal Police Department will be reviewed under the NHBP Code or, when created under cross-deputization authority, by the Corporation Counsel or other designated legal representative of the applicable jurisdiction. Records will be released only as permitted by applicable Tribal law, agreement, or valid legal process.
If you are requesting a police record concerning a state-law violation investigated by an NHBP Officer under cross-deputization authority, contact the FOIA administrator for the applicable county. Although NHBP maintains the record, its release is subject to county review under the cross-deputization agreement. If you are a party to a pending state criminal case, records may also be available through the discovery process from the county prosecutor’s office.
If you are requesting an NHBP police record created under Tribal authority or concerning a Tribal-law violation, please complete the NHBP Police Record Request Form and submit it to the NHBP Tribal Police Department.
If you are requesting records maintained by a federal agency, contact that agency directly. If you are seeking to compel production of NHBP-maintained records related to a federal investigation, any outside subpoena must be properly recognized and enforced through the NHBP Tribal Court before service.
Police Records from FireKeepers Casino Hotel
If you are requesting records independently maintained by FireKeepers Casino Hotel, please contact at 877.352.8777 and request its Legal Department. You will be provided with instructions for submitting a records request or serving legal process.
Please note: NHBP Tribal Police does not serve as the records custodian for records independently maintained by FireKeepers Casino Hotel.
Crash and Property Damage Accident Reports
Copies of traffic crash reports investigated by NHBP may be obtained through LexisNexis BuyCrash.
Record Request Denials
If your request is denied, the written denial will advise you of the applicable administrative appeal process.
Links:
Career in Tribal Law Enforcement
How to Join Our Team
Open positions are posted on our Careers page.
The first step is a telephone screening interview, followed by a pre-screen questionnaire and personal history questionnaire. An in-person interview comes next along with a general aptitude test (multiple choice), and after that candidates go through background investigation, psychological exam, and drug screening.
Essential Duties
- Act as a Tribal Police Liaison to the community to enhance good public relations.
- Use knowledge, understanding and ability to work with and promote Native American culture, language, traditions and communities.
- Patrol assigned area to include buildings and grounds, checking locked doors and windows, and investigating suspicious activity or people; control traffic, provide crime prevention, investigate incidents of criminal violations and hunting and fishing violations.
- Receive briefing upon arrival for duty; secure information, ask questions and participate in required departmental training and discussion of information.
- Patrol areas on foot or by motor vehicle; issue warnings and citations to drivers when violations of motor vehicles are observed; make arrests for violations of the laws.
- Respond to calls for service, emergency alarms and other dispatched calls; make decisions based on analysis of situation and facts.
- Investigate all types of crimes and accidents; perform follow up duties on crimes/accidents as directed by supervisor; interview suspects and witnesses; collect evidence and facts.
- Dispense unruly crowds at public gatherings within Departmental guidelines.
- Render first aid at the scene of accidents, medical assistance calls, domestic violence calls and report findings.
- Identify, pursue and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Direct and control traffic around fires, accidents and other disruptions as needed.
- Write and file with supervisor: crime reports and daily activity reports of disturbances, accidents, crimes and tickets issued.
- Assist area police departments in carrying out their functions.
- Assist motorists and citizens living on Tribal land by delivering emergency messages, helping motorists with flat tires, stalled vehicles and potential crime incidents.
- May assist in training new officers in the field according to established schedules and guidelines; submit evaluations of trainee performance to supervisor.
- Appear and testify before the courts to subpoena as witness and/or reporting officer of a crime in regard to cases being adjudicated.
- Familiarize themselves with the assigned areas and be aware of individuals that may be living in those areas.
- Assume responsibility for proper maintenance of personal equipment issued to them and vehicles assigned for patrol.
- Adhere to safety practices as it relates to weapons and vehicles assigned to the officer.
- Participate in Tribal Member activities and attend Tribal Member events that support Tribal sovereignty, culture and customs.
- Demonstrate capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with Tribal Members and co-workers. Willingness to support Indian Preference initiatives.
- Familiarize and comply with all the rules, regulations and codes to ensure efficient operations.
- Maintain and apply knowledge in the area of drugs/narcotics, i.e., abuse identification and the availability on the streets as it relates to routine patrol duties and detention procedures.
- Perform other duties as directed/required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Possess valid MCOLES license or, if license has lapsed or inactive, can reactivate immediately upon hire.
- Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Ability to understand, gain knowledge and appreciate the differences with Native American culture and customs.
- Valid driver’s license with good driving record; and complete Emergency Vehicle Operation training in the academy and once every three years.
- Ability to become CPR/First Aid certified.
- Complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with NHBP standards.
- Have successfully completed basic recruit training and firearms qualifications and be able to pass the Federal Firearms Qualification Course of fire.
- Possess Bureau of Indian Affairs Special Law Enforcement Commission or obtain as soon as training becomes available.
- Applicant must sign a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
- Candidates selected for hire will be subject to a physical evaluation and psychological evaluation and employment will be contingent on the results of said test and evaluations.
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.
Wage: $30.00 – $35.65/hr.
Benefits:
Starting Patrol Officer
- $30.00–$33.40/hour
- $3,000–$5,000 signing bonus
- Lateral pay $33.40 with three years of LE experience
- Higher pay (Sergeant pay) with Firefighting certification
- Shift differential ($1.00/hr.)
- Double-time pay rate for over 92 hrs. of work
- Instructor stipends for approved training certifications ($200/mo. max.)
- Medical, dental, and vision with minimal employee cost-sharing (approx. $70/mo. with medical opt-out of $124/mo.)
- Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D coverage
- Employee funded 401(k) option (no match)
- MERS law-enforcement retirement plan (2.5 multiplier, employee contribution 5%)
- 14 paid holidays
- PTO accrual of 4 weeks, with rollover
- Three paid Mental Health Days per year
- Tuition reimbursement up to $6000/yr.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer
- Employee wellness, fitness, and NHBP-sponsored activities
Interested in joining the NHBP Tribal Police? Fill out the form below or scan the QR code.
Job Interest Form
