HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Agenda - 7/15/2024
Bayfield County Administrator
117 E 5th Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
Ph: 715-373-6181 Fx: 715-373-6153
Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator Kristine Kavajecz, Human Resources Director
Kim Mattson, Finance Director Gail Reha, Bookkeeper Paige Terry, Clerk III
COUNTY-TRIBAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Nicole Boyd, Tribal Council Chair Rick Peterson, Tribal Council Vice-Chair
Mary Dougherty, Bayfield County Supervisor Steve Sandstrom, Bayfield County. Supervisor
Dear Committee Members:
This letter is written to inform you of the Bayfield County Tribal-County Relations Committee Meeting
scheduled for MONDAY, July 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.. This meeting will be held in-person in the County Board
Room located in the Courthouse Building at 117 E 5th Street, Washburn, WI.
The agenda for this meeting is as follows:
AGENDA
1. Call to Order and Introductions
2. Public Comment
3. Discussion and Possible Action, Minutes from May 20, 2024
4. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Tribal County Law Enforcement Grant Agreement
5. Proposed Next Meeting Time and Date, Monday, September 16, 2024, in Washburn
6. Adjournment
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact mark.abeles-allison@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov.
Sincerely,
Mark Abeles-Allison
Mark Abeles-Allison
Bayfield County Administrator
MAA/pat
cc: Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Bayfield County Department Heads
Any person planning to attend a Bayfield County meeting that has a disability requiring special accommodation should contact 373-6100, 24-hours
before the scheduled meeting, so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Bayfield County Administrator
117 E 5th Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
Ph: 715-373-6181 Fax: 715-373-6153
Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator Kristine Kavajecz, Human Resources Director
Kim Mattson, Finance Director Gail Reha, Bookkeeper Paige Terry, Clerk III
MINUTES OF THE:
Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting
9:00am, Monday, May 20, 2024
Meeting was held at the Legendary Waters Resort & Casino, Red Cliff, WI
Members Present: Tribal Vice-Chair Rick Peterson, Tribal Chairwoman Nicole Boyd, Supervisor Steve
Sandstrom, Supervisor Mary Dougherty
Members Excused:
Others Present: Bayfield County Chief Deputy Andy Runice, Red Cliff Education Division Administrator Edith
Washington, Red Cliff Community Health Center Operations Manager Michael Lang, Red Cliff Transportation
Director Jeff Benton, Bayfield County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Public Health
Nurse Holly Weber, Red Cliff Tribal Police Chief Jess Hall, Red Cliff Family & Human Services Administrator
Dee Gokee-Rindal, Bayfield County Sheriff Tony Williams, Red Cliff Treat Natural Resources Administrator
Dylan Jennings, Red Cliff Tribal Administration Liaison Alana Babineau, Bayfield County Public Health
Director Anne Marie Coy, Assistant Tribal Attorney Wade Williams, and Bayfield County Clerk III Paige
Terry.
Called to order at 9:01a.m. by Sandstrom.
Introductions: Introductions of committee members and attendees were made.
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair:
Boyd nominated Sandstrom as chairman. Sandstrom asked for other nominations, and none were given. Motion
Boyd to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Sandstrom for Chairperson. Motion carried.
Boyd nominated Peterson as Vice-Chair. Sandstrom asked for other nominations, and none were given. Motion
Boyd to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Peterson for Vice-Chairperson. Motion carried.
Minutes of February 19, 2024, County-Tribal Relations Committee Meeting: Motion by Boyd, seconded by
Peterson to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2024, County-Tribal Relations Committee Meeting.
Motion carried, 4-0.
Public Comment: None.
Law Enforcement Collaboration and Tribal-County Law Enforcement Grant Agreement: A tribal law
enforcement update and the current law enforcement agreement were included in the packet. Bayfield County
Administrator, Mark Abeles-Allison, recommended that discussions begin regarding the distribution of funds
for the 2024 agreement. Red Cliff Tribal Police Chief, Jess Hall, gave updates on ongoing challenges and trends
experienced by Red Cliff law enforcement which were included in the report. The potential collaborations listed
in the report included an MOU between the City of Bayfield Police Department, Red Cliff Police Department,
and the Bayfield School. Hall explained that an MOU has existed, but the document has not been revised during
Hall’s tenure. Work on the 2025 Law Enforcement Agreement continues, and Hall stated that the agreement
would be ready to be sent to Bayfield County for review by the following Wednesday. Hall reviewed the
updated goals for the 2025 agreement. Sandstrom asked if the goals that were approved in the 2024 agreement
appeared to be working. T. Williams answered stating that there is always room for improvement and spoke on
the staffing shortages being experienced by several agencies throughout the county. Chairwoman Boyd spoke
on setting expectations for an ideal situation but recommends that problems that arise are brought forward to the
committee so that a discussion may be had on the subject. Chairwoman Boyd spoke on the historic use of funds
received and stated that the tribe recognizes the services that are provided by the Bayfield County Sheriff’s
Office. The Red Cliff Police Department is experiencing challenges regarding staffing where the department is
comprised of young and new officers that often transfer to a new department once training and certification
requirements are met. Sandstrom recommended that the committee meet during the summer to discuss 2025
agreement to ensure that the agreement is ready to be acted on before the deadline. The committee agreed and
decided to set a meeting date in July to meet solely to discuss the law enforcement agreement.
Tribal / County Health Update and Opioid Education Plans in the Schools & Discussion and Possible
Action Regarding Tribal County Health Board Appointment: Bayfield County Public Health Director,
Anne Marie Coy, reported that the Health Board is supportive of changing the board’s policy to designate one
of the community member seats for a tribal representative moving forward. Chairwoman Boyd stated that the
Tribal Council would likely move to have Diane Erickson be the tribal representative on the board. Abeles-
Allison reviewed the appointment procedure with the committee.
Bayfield County Public Health Nurse, Holly Weber, reported that she has met with school officials along with
staff from the Red Cliff health center to ensure that there is no overlap regarding the opioid education program
selection. The department will be moving forward with utilizing and implementing the Botvin Life Skills
Curriculum and will be utilizing staff form CESA 12 to assist with the implementation and training of school
staff. Weber reviewed staff at the Bayfield School that will be working on implementing the program.
Chairwoman Boyd stressed the importance of congruence of the curriculum with curriculums currently
practiced in the school and reviewed curriculums that are currently being practiced by Red Cliff.
Red Cliff Community Health Center Operations Manager, Michael Lang, reported that the Tribal Action Plan
was adopted back in March with one of the new changes being the implementation of the No Wrong Door
model. Lang reviewed the updated goals in the Tribal Action Plan. The public health vending machine provided
by the Bayfield County Health Department was delivered along with a large sharps container, but the location
for the machine has yet to be decided. Lang gave a list of the supplies that would be available in the machine.
Weber explained that the county has not applied for the grant that would fund supplies for the machines as the
location of the second machine has yet to be determined so there is no space to store the supplies. Weber
reviewed the Wellness on Wheels and Harm Reductions services provided by the county. Lang informed the
committee that Red Cliff EMS has partnered with LCO for an EMS training program and the first course was
held with most individuals completing the course.
Abeles-Allison informed the committee that the county has budgeted for a countywide evaluation of all EMS
agencies that service the county in 2024. Strategic Management and Consulting, LLC was selected to conduct
the study with the study anticipated to be completed during the summer with recommendations provided to be
included in the 2025 budget. Abeles-Allison explained that a countywide EMS agency is exempt from the levy
caps that other agencies may face. Lang stated that the object of the study is to determine if the county should
run EMS services on a countywide basis. Chairwoman Boyd explained that Red Cliff remains a sovereign
nation and would not be affected by the new countywide service; however, the tribe would like a copy of the
agreement signed with Strategic Management and Consulting so that it may be reviewed.
Tribal-County Lands MOU and LCO v. Evers Lawsuit and Tax Implications: A copy of the previous
MOU and a draft revised MOU were included in the packet. Abeles-Allison reported that all county-owned
lands on the reservation have been successfully repatriated back to the tribe. Assistant Tribal Attorney, Wade
Williams, questioned if the county was intending to prevent tax foreclosure properties from going to public
auction. Discussion took place regarding an included clause to prevent non-tribally owned parcels from going
into tax foreclosure. Abeles-Allison reviewed the updated clauses included in the draft agreement. Red Cliff
Treat Natural Resources Administrator, Dylan Jennings, asked if the county had a projection of tax dollars lost
each year due to the outcome of the lawsuit. Abeles-Allison replied giving an estimation of $50,000 per year.
Pigeon Lake: Abeles-Allison gave a brief history of the property to the committee. Bayfield County has been
given permission to lease the site for one year for an assessment of the property; however, the county has not
signed the agreement yet as staff was waiting for an update from Red Cliff on where the tribe stood regarding
the property. Chairwoman Boyd reported that the GLITC will be meeting the following Wednesday to vote on
the site. Boyd stated that the tribe would like to use the site as an adolescent wellness center. Committee
members spoke in favor of the proposition.
Broadband Expansion Efforts and Digital Connectivity Initiative and Red Cliff Library: Abeles-Allison
informed the committee that the state is focusing on broadband connectivity and stated that Bayfield County
continues to struggle with digital literacy. Abeles-Allison reported on the Digital Navigator Program Grant
where the state provides funds for digital navigators to provide navigation services. Each of the six libraries
within the county would receive a lending library full of digital devices through the program that they could
loan out to library customers. The City of Washburn/Bayfield County Housing Authority is researching how to
provide free or low-cost Wi-Fi in their housing facilities as well as limited technical assistance with devices.
The grant application is due early June 2024.
Joint County Board / Tribal Council Meeting: September 24, 2024, at the Red Cliff Cultural Center, the time
of the meeting will be set later.
Reports from Committee Members: Red Cliff Transportation Director, Jeff Benton, reported that Red Cliff
has received funds to install to solar-powered pedestrian crossing signs which will be installed by Peterson’s
Foods and at the intersection by the casino. Benton stated that the Bayfield County Highway Department will
need to paint crosswalk lines on the road. An RFP has been sent out for the Red Cliff Transportation Building
and bids are due by June 7, 2024. Several advertisements for other road projects were put out the previous
week. The tribe is noticing an increase in delivery costs for materials due to the detour in the City of Washburn.
Abeles-Allison informed Benton that the county garage in the city will have a small concrete manufacturing
plant that may be useful in the future for the tribe. Benton reported on several other projects including the
pothole filling on Highway 13 and the new EV charger at the new transportation facility. Benton asked that
communication with the county be improved regarding the coordination of snow and ice removal. Boyd
informed the committee that the roads department is facing similar staffing struggles to the police department as
new employees finish their certification and training then leave the department to work elsewhere. Abeles-
Allison explained that the county does do a lot of work with other agencies and municipalities for the DOT rate
and stated that the county may be able to assist the tribe in the same manner. Boyd reported on the trail
development between the City of Bayfield and Red Cliff.
Abeles-Allison reported on several projects underway in Bayfield County:
1. The 40-unit housing development proposed in the City of Washburn next to the Northern Lights Nursing
Home was approved for LITAC funding. This a two-and-a-half-year project with units being available at
the end of 2026. Abeles-Allison stated that any County-Tribal collaboration discussions would need to
start soon. Boyd asked that Cinnaire meet with the Tribe again to review the project.
2. Bayfield County recently applied for a housing development grant at the old Ondossagon School.
Abeles-Allison stated that the county will know the result of the application in a few months.
3. A large grant was awarded to fund multiple microgrid projects throughout the county, with several of
the projects being EV charger installations throughout the county. All the projects are on an 18-month or
2-year timeline.
4. The Bayfield County Health Department received a health infrastructure grant that is being used to
remodel the Health Department. The remodel will allow the department to expand its clinic and lab
services as well as create additional space in the lower level of the building. Coy elaborated stating that
the department is looking to expand the water sampling program as well as other testing capabilities.
Weber reviewed the testing services currently available.
T. Williams gave a brief update on the consolidated dispatch project explaining that the two departments will be
merged in Fall 2024 with a minimum of three employees scheduled per shift after the merger. Different
practices between departments remain one of the primary challenges of the project. Someone has accepted the
position of the Consolidated Dispatch Director, and they are anticipated to begin July 1, 2024.
Dougherty reported that she attended the previous Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Committee meeting, and
the committee passed the proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process for towers and the proposal would be
forwarded to the County Board for final approval.
Proposed Next Meeting Time and Date:
• July 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. to discuss only Joint Law Enforcement Agreement meeting held in Washburn
and Remotely
• September 16, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in Washburn
Adjournment: There being no further business to discuss, committee chairman Sandstrom adjourned the
meeting at 11:02 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
PAIGE A. TERRY,
Clerk III, Bayfield County Administrator’s & Clerk’s Offices
On behalf of the Bayfield County-Tribal Relations Committee
PAT
2025 DRAFT
2025 COUNTY/TRIBAL AGREEMENT
I. PURPOSE
This Joint Plan is developed in accordance with State Statute 165.90, to continue to provide
sufficient Law Enforcement services to the Red Cliff community and residents within the
boundaries of the Red Cliff Bank of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in Bayfield
County, Wisconsin. This program represents a cooperative plan between the Red Cliff Tribe
and Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office to maintain a strong police presence and continue
mutual efforts to reduce crime.
II. PROGRAM PLAN
A. GEOGRAPHY AND POPULATION:
Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation is located within the Apostle
Islands National Park area that encompasses approximately 14,592 rural and remote
acreage. According to the December 2023 Tribal Census there are 1,353 tribal members
residing within the boundaries of the Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land. When
including the surrounding area served, this number becomes around 1,692. There are 882
households and businesses in the Red Cliff Law Enforcement service area.
With its natural beauty as well as the Tribal Legendary Waters Resort and Casino, this
area attracts over 290,000 visitors each year. National Park statistics from 2022 and 2023
showed that there were up to 255,000 park visitors that spent an estimated $40 - $50
million while touring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Statistics also showed that
98% of these people were non-local visitors and at least 40% of tourists stayed overnight
at local lodging accommodations outside of the park area during their visit. The
Legendary Waters Resort is the largest Hotel in the local area and includes three
campgrounds on the Reservation. The number of visitors coming to this area steadily
increases every year.
B. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Red Cliff Tribal Police Department and
Tribal Council have a strong working relationship. Public Law 280 grants Wisconsin
criminal jurisdiction over American Indians on reservations. PL280 also allows civil
litigation that would otherwise come under tribal or federal court jurisdiction to be
handled by state courts. The Red Cliff Band and Bayfield County strive to maintain a
sufficient level of Law Enforcement services to the Red Cliff community while staying
within budgetary constraints. A solid and mutually beneficial working relationship
between the Red Cliff Band and Bayfield County is important.
Red Cliff Police Officers are certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice after
completing the required training and meet the mandated standards established by
Wisconsin statute and the Bureau of Training and Standards, along with training and
certifications required through OJS BIA. Red Cliff Officers serve all persons within the
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boundaries of the Red Cliff Reservation which includes Tribal members and non-Tribal
members. Red Cliff Police Officers are also part of the Native American Drug and Gang
Initiative (NADGI) and work closely with Local, State, and Federal Partners
investigating crimes in our region, particularly crimes related to controlled substance
distribution and substance abuse.
The Red Cliff community identifies controlled substance abuse and associated criminality
as a very high priority issue facing the Tribe along with improving safety and law
enforcement within the community. Three objectives of the Tribal Council Strategic Plan
for maintaining the safety and security of the community include:
• Sufficient funding and staffing of law enforcement operations
• Sufficient funding and staffing to serve victims of crimes
• Reduction of crime through educational programs
Bayfield County Deputies support the Red Cliff Tribal Police by providing backup to
tribal law enforcement, primary response to incidents, training, mentoring and assistance
with investigations. Visitors and residents alike travel to the Red Cliff Reservation on
State, County, and local roads that are patrolled by Bayfield County Deputies. Red Cliff
and Bayfield County have a good history of cooperation and collaboration in field
operations, training, and sharing of information. Red Cliff Police Department utilizes a
shared Records Management System, Communications Center, and County Jail.
The two agencies strive to share schedules with each other to ensure adequate shift
coverage.
C. PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES SHARED BY THE COUNTY AND
THE TRIBE:
• Red Cliff Police Chief will collaborate with the Bayfield County Sheriff and
Criminal Justice Coordinator and strive to attend all Criminal Justice Council
meetings or send a designee.
• The Bayfield County Sheriff and Red Cliff Police Chief, or their designees, will
meet regularly to discuss activities of respective operations no less than once per
quarter.
• Coordinate training with Red Cliff Sergeant and County Sergeants/Investigators.
• The Red Cliff Chief of Police and Bayfield County Sheriff will attend Tribal-
County Relations meetings (approx. 3 meetings per year).
• The Red Cliff Police Department and Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office will share
pertinent and relevant information regarding drug interdiction and drug trafficking
as appropriate to further investigations.
2025 DRAFT
Key Focus Areas for Red Cliff Police Department:
• Red Cliff Police Department will increase its involvement in Youth Services by
one additional annual event in 2025 and invites Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office
to participate.
• Red Cliff Police Department will ensure that all Red Cliff Officers are provided
trauma-informed and culturally informed training for preventing responding to
Domestic Abuse and Family Violence in the Red Cliff Tribal Community.
• Red Cliff Police Department will continue to work with Red Cliff and Bayfield
County agencies and resources to respond to Drug and Alcohol related addiction
and offenses.
• Red Cliff Police Department will ensure that all Red Cliff Officers are provided
trauma-informed and culturally informed training for preventing and responding
to Sexual Assault/Sex Offenses
• Red Cliff Police Department will be an active partner in Red Cliff’s Wrap Around
Care program, whose goal is breaking the cycle of abuse/addiction/violence.
• Red Cliff Police Department will implement and maintain an employee
performance plan and consult with the sheriff’s office for feedback on Tribal
Officers. It is understood newer staff depend on Sheriff’s Office staff for guidance
when responding to incidents.
D. NEED FOR FUNDING:
The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is unable to provide adequate funding to
support the growing needs of the Red Cliff Police Department for effective Law
Enforcement services. Funding through the Bureau of Indian Affairs provides for only
three full-time and one part-time Police Officer positions. Funding from other federal
sources provides only for one additional entry level officer. Limited funding creates an
inability to match competitive wages and benefits for Officers which reduces recruitment
and retention. With current staff levels Red Cliff Police Department commits to 16 hours
of coverage a day. This includes benefit time but does not include time spent in Court,
training time, administrative leave, or sick time.
In 2023 Red Cliff Police Department had over 2,600 calls for service (through Bayfield
County dispatch) within their jurisdictional boundaries and continues to have a higher
arrest record and more referrals for charges than other Municipal Police Departments in
Bayfield County combined. Red Cliff Police Department had a total of five full-time
Officers and the Chief of Police in 2023. Approximately 15% of Red Cliff Police
Department’s total calls resulted in criminal charges. Red Cliff PD currently has three
full-time Patrol Officers and a Chief of Police, with two vacancies as of June 2024.
Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office assists Red Cliff with incidents through Deputy
response, Dispatch/Communications, and housing arrestees in the County Jail. Cost
share funds assist both entities in providing essential services to the Red Cliff Band of
Chippewa Tribe.
2025 DRAFT
Incidents related to methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and other substance abuse have
increased training and response requirements for Officers. Additional training and
response tactics developed by the Sheriff’s Office have aided procedures and strategies
when dealing with mental illness and substance abuse.
E. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED:
The Red Cliff Police Department will maintain a fully functioning law enforcement
agency with at least six full-time State certified Law Enforcement Officers and maintain
the same proficiency standards as other State Law Enforcement Officers. Red Cliff will
maintain a vehicle fleet, related equipment, and training necessary for officers to
adequately perform their duties.
Bayfield County and the Sheriff’s Office will continue to perform the required duties for
the office of the Sheriff pursuant to 59.27 and provide use of the Communications Center
to the Red Cliff Police Department for their operational needs. Access and maintenance
of a records management system will also be provided in conformance to a separate
agreement with the Red Cliff Police Department.
The funding provided through this Joint Program Plan between the Red Cliff Police
Department and the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office will provide more consistent law
enforcement presence on the Reservation and services to the community. Each agency
will strive to maintain a high level of visibility and access to the community through
active patrol presence.
F. SUPERVISION AND PERFORMANCE:
Oversight of the Red Cliff Police Department and direct supervision of staff and daily
activities will be under the direction of the Tribal Chief of Police and the Red Cliff Law
Enforcement Commission. The Red Cliff Law Enforcement Commission consists of 3
members with Criminal Justice backgrounds and 1 alternate member.
The Bayfield County Sheriff will oversee the Sheriff’s Office and County Deputies.
The Red Cliff Chief of Police, the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Committee, and the County
Tribal Relations Committee will meet as needed to discuss the progress of and any
concerns associated with this agreement.
Once annually, joint reports regarding goals and objectives will be made by the Bayfield
County Sheriff and Red Cliff Police Chief to the County-Tribal Relations Committee.
Accurate records of all activities handled by Red Cliff Police Department will be kept
and a summary will be presented to the County-Tribal Relations Committee annually.
The County-Tribal Relations Committee is comprised of the following two Tribal
Council members and two County Board Supervisors. Tribal support members including
2025 DRAFT
Health Services Administrator, Tribal Attorney, Tribal Chief of Police, Planning
Administrator and others are frequently present. County support members including the
County Sheriff, Bayfield County Administrator, Public Health Nurse, Housing Educator,
District Attorney and others.
G. COUNTY SERVICES:
Bayfield County provides 24/7 Law Enforcement dispatching for the Red Cliff Police
Department. Bayfield County Jail boards tribal members arrested and those convicted of
State criminal law violations in Circuit Court. Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputies
work to ensure 24x7 coverage in collaboration with Red Cliff Officers, maintaining a
public safety presence in the Red Cliff community, crime prevention, and investigations.
The Red Cliff Police Department Evidence Technician(s) assist Bayfield County Sheriff’s
Office with technical criminal investigations of digital and cellular devices as requested
and will continue to do so for as long as staffing and funding support this ability. This
teamwork has resulted in numerous criminal convictions.
For investigating Sensitive Crimes and adhering to the requirements of such
investigations, Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office has provided Red Cliff Police and
Municipal Law Enforcement agencies with access to Forensic Interview Specialists and
use of their Forensic Interview room equipped with recording apparatuses and will
continue to do so pending certification of new Red Cliff staff.
Bayfield County Criminal Justice Department is staffed and paid for by Bayfield County
and brings evidence-based processes and procedures to the Court, Sheriff, and District
Attorney’s Offices. Bayfield County offers a wide variety of treatment alternatives
focused on recovery and reduced recidivism.
H. EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCE SHARING:
Red Cliff and Bayfield County will consider each other’s needs when accessing grants or
other State and Federal procurements. Annually a capital budget will be shared by the
parties. The agencies affected by this agreement may lend or transfer ownership of their
respective equipment in exchange for a monetary consideration if allowable and mutually
agreed upon.
It is fully understood that each agency is responsible for any repairs or maintenance of
borrowed equipment/equipment being used while in their possession.
In the event Red Cliff Tribal staffing levels change below the six FTE, the Bayfield
County Sheriff or designee will be immediately informed, and the parties will coordinate
to discuss and strategize schedules.
2025 DRAFT
Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office will pay the cost for Red Cliff Police Department’s
implementation and use of the Schedule Anywhere program for Officer’s schedules. This
provides the County with visual access to Red Cliff PD Officers’ schedule.
In 2025 Red Cliff Tribe is designated as the recipient of the County- Tribal Law
Enforcement award and holds the responsibility of receiving and disbursing all funds
therein.
In 2025 Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office will receive 17% of the total County-Tribal
Program funds. Funds will be used for costs of providing law enforcement services on
the reservation.
The parties agree to consider retaining the same percentage amounts 2025-2030 pending
joint agreement.
I. ANNUAL REPORT:
The Red Cliff Police Department will be responsible for submitting an annual report to
the Wisconsin Department of Justice outlining the use of program funds and the goals as
outlined by the Program Plan addressed under 165-90(4)(b). Reports will be submitted to
the Bureau of Indian Affairs if applicable.
J. PLAN RENEGOTIATION:
The Red Cliff Police Chief and Bayfield County Sheriff agree to meet as necessary to
consider updates or revisions to this agreement for the next year.
III. SUMMARY
The 2025 Joint Program Plan between the Red Cliff Police Department and the Bayfield
County Sheriff’s Office will assist in providing more consistent law enforcement services
for the residents of the Red Cliff community. With the increased police presence, trust
and confidence of law enforcement by citizens has considerably improved.
Both the Red Cliff Tribal Council and the Bayfield County Board have discussed mutual
concerns regarding law enforcement activities on the Red Cliff Reservation and have a
strong commitment to improving these services and continuing an open dialogue.
Previous funding acquired has aided Red Cliff Police Department and Bayfield County
Sheriff’s Office to respond quickly and effectively to criminal acts and emergency
incidents, conduct concurrent investigations, and implement proactive crime prevention
strategies, with each action serving to reduce overall crime in the community.
Red Cliff Police Department and the Bayfield County Sheriff's Office have a strong
community partnership to combat and reduce the rate of crimes in its community. Overall
call volumes have steadily increased since 2016, with 30% of logged calls assigned to
Red Cliff Officers. Incidents that required court proceedings by Tribal Court, County
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District Court, or other agency action have increased by over 60% since 2016. These
incidents include misdemeanor crime, felony acts and crimes, violent crime, property
crime, and criminal or civil traffic violations. Community oriented policing strategies are
successful when there is adequate staffing and trust in law enforcement resulting in more
community members willing to report criminal activity thus allowing a quicker response
from an Officer. With sufficient and proper staffing, both responsive policing and
proactive policing are possible, along with more Officers available to patrol.
The Red Cliff Police Department remains a strong partner in the investigations into
controlled substance crimes in this region and continues to work closely with Bayfield
County Sheriff’s Office, the BIA, and several other Law Enforcement Agencies on
building and expanding criminal drug investigations.
In addition to funding and staffing for law enforcement operations, essential resources are
needed to serve victims of crime and create active prevention programs. Sufficient
financing is crucial to the administration and success of these goals and objectives. The
Tribe is committed to continue improving law enforcement services and seeking
additional funding sources to increase the Red Cliff Police Department’s ability to
expand, develop new programs, and achieve the mutual goals of this management plan.