Safety & Justice
Jul 16, 2026

Justice Department opens Tribal Access Program applications

Federally recognized Tribes can apply through Aug. 31 for access to national crime information databases


July 16, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened the application period for federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia to participate in the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information, according to a July 13 announcement from the Justice Department. The program provides participating Tribes with access to national crime information databases, including the FBI's National Crime Information Center, for authorized criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31, with selected Tribes to be notified in September.

According to the Justice Department, the program provides software, hardware, training and biometric workstations that allow Tribes to process fingerprints, take mugshots and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services systems. The department said 152 federally recognized Tribes currently participate in the program, which has been used to enter missing persons, orders of protection, sex offender registrations, criminal histories, bookings and convictions into national databases.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.