Pauma Tribe to Receive Federal Grant Toward Crime Prevention

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians will receive a $338,050 grant from the Department of Justice toward prevention of alcohol and substance-abuse related crimes.

Announced in September, 2010, the grant — part of $127 million given to tribes nationwide to improve public safety and criminal justice — was awarded through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Tribal Resource Grant Program. COPS is a DOJ office that advances the practice of community policing in U.S. state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies.

"This process has been an important and efficient step toward improving the safety of our community, and building and maintaining an effective and nation-to-nation relationship," said Pauma Tribal Chairman Chris Devers. The Pauma Tribe plans to use the money toward improving community policing by hiring and training new officers, and purchasing new equipment and vehicles, with the goal to target and reduce alcohol and substance abuse-related incidents.

The grant is one of the first under the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) effort, which comprises 10 different DOJ programs into one allocation. The CTAS program was developed in response to issues discussed during tribal listening sessions, held in 2009 among tribal leaders, Attorney General Eric Holder and other DOJ leaders. Holder said CTAS is part of a more streamlined grant-making process and the DOJ's broader strategy to increase engagement with tribal communities.

About the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians

The Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians is a federally recognized Tribal government located in the Pauma Valley of Southern California. The Pauma Band is one of seven Bands of the Luiseno people located in San Diego and Riverside counties. Pauma produces Hass avocados, Valencia oranges and lemons, and is engaged in the protection and reforestation of their Tribal lands. The Pauma Tribe owns and operates Casino Pauma, providing employment to the Tribal Members and the surrounding communities. Its revenues enhance the Tribal Government's ability to meet the essential needs of the membership. For more information about the Pauma Tribe, visit www.pauma-nsn.gov.

SOURCE Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians