BADGES Act Aims to Solve Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis with Data and Resources

The "Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act," or BADGES for Native Communities Act, tackles the alarming rate of missing and murdered Indigenous people. It's not just a name; this bill pushes for real changes in how these cases are handled, focusing on better data collection, more resources for Tribal law enforcement, and improved coordination between agencies.

Data Gaps and Dirty Deeds

This section gets to the heart of the problem: a lack of reliable data. The bill mandates the appointment of Tribal facilitators within the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) (SEC. 101). These facilitators will be the go-to people for ensuring that cases involving Indigenous people are properly reported and tracked. Think of them as specialized detectives focused solely on making sure these cases don't fall through the cracks. They'll work directly with Tribes and organizations, providing training and technical assistance to improve reporting and investigation. The bill also pushes for annual reports to Congress for three years, detailing the facilitators' progress. This means consistent oversight and a push for results.

The Act also requires detailed reports on staffing needs and resources within Indian country law enforcement (SEC. 102). The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will have to report on unmet staffing needs, facility repairs, and technology upgrades. It is like taking inventory, but instead of counting office supplies, the bill is identifying the critical resources needed to keep communities safe. Similarly, the Department of Justice (DOJ) must provide annual reports on its staffing levels for investigations and prosecutions in Indian country, including employee turnover and experience. This isn't just about numbers; it's about making sure the right people with the right skills are on the job. A GAO study will follow, reviewing the DOJ's findings and offering solutions for better staffing.

Safety in Numbers (and Better Background Checks)

Title II focuses on making Native communities safer. A key part is a demonstration program for improving background checks for BIA law enforcement applicants (SEC. 201). The Secretary of the Interior can now conduct these checks and even partner with state, local, and Tribal governments to speed things up. This aims to make sure those wearing the badge are trustworthy. This is like adding an extra layer of security to protect the people who are supposed to protect the community. The program will run for five years, with a report to Congress after three years to assess its effectiveness.

Another crucial element is a new grant program (SEC. 202) designed to improve coordination in missing and murdered persons cases. Tribes, Tribal organizations, and even states partnering with Tribes can apply for funds to set up centers for tracking cases, establish commissions for better law enforcement coordination, and develop resources like rapid notification systems. This is like creating a network of support and information-sharing to ensure no case goes unnoticed. The bill authorizes $1,000,000 annually for these grants from 2026 to 2030.

Finally, the bill addresses the mental health of law enforcement officers serving Native communities (SEC. 204). It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to ensure officers have access to culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs. It's like recognizing that those who protect us also need support, especially given the unique challenges they face. The bill also looks into whether BIA and Tribal law enforcement agencies can access existing federal law enforcement assistance programs.

The BADGES Act also requires a GAO study to examine how Federal law enforcement agencies collect, handle, and process evidence in cases involving Indigenous people or committed in Indian country. (SEC. 203).

In short, the BADGES Act is about fixing a broken system. It's about ensuring that missing and murdered Indigenous people are not forgotten, and that the communities and law enforcement agencies serving them have the resources they need to seek justice.