Umatilla Tribes gain expanded access to FBI background check system
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation becomes first tribal nation to receive federal approval for tribally enacted law expanding access to FBI criminal history records
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon have received federal approval to expand access to FBI-maintained criminal history record information for background checks, according to a June 15 statement from the Department of Justice. The approval allows the tribe's Department of Education and Department of Children & Family Services to conduct background checks on employees, contractors and volunteers.
The approval marks the first time a tribally enacted law has met federal requirements to allow tribal governments to establish their own legal authorities for accessing criminal history information. The department said the change will support hiring processes and public safety efforts. CTUIR Board of Trustees Chair N. Kathryn Brigham said the expanded access will allow more thorough background checks and help create safer conditions for people, particularly children, who use tribal services.
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