Spokane Police, Urban Native Organizations Sign MOU to Strengthen Relationships and Communication

~ In an effort to build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve public safety outcomes, the Spokane Police Department (SPD) and a coalition of organizations and representatives from Spokane's urban Native community have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, which was signed by SPD Chief Kevin Hall and Toni Lodge, Chief Executive Officer of the NATIVE Project, reflects a shared commitment to fostering mutual respect and ensuring that Native voices are centered in conversations that affect their communities.

According to Chief Hall, this agreement is an important step towards addressing the historical pain, mistrust, and difficult experiences that many Native community members have faced in their interactions with law enforcement. He shared that this reality has been brought to his attention through personal experiences shared by family members. The MOU is a continuation of the work of listening, learning, and building stronger relationships rooted in respect and understanding.

The MOU outlines specific actions that both SPD and the urban Native community will take. This includes improving and increasing information sharing regarding mutual citizens who are American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), holding annual community conversations or forums to discuss issues of mutual interest such as reducing use of force and racial bias training, notifying relevant urban Native organizations about critical incidents involving a Native person or population as soon as possible, consulting with the local urban Indian community on cultural norms during traumatic incidents, and collectively promoting public safety for the urban Indian community.

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Toni Lodge expressed her appreciation for this commitment from local government and law enforcement. She stated that the urban Native community has long called for better communication and coordination with these entities. She believes that when partnership and understanding are at the center of their work, they can build safer communities for everyone.

City Administrator Alexander Scott also emphasized the importance of this MOU in recognizing the contributions of citizens representing over 300 tribal nations who call Spokane home. He stated that by signing this agreement, both the City of Spokane and SPD are committing to listening, showing up, and doing the sustained work of building trust and strengthening collaboration.

The signing of this MOU is a significant step towards improving relationships between law enforcement and the urban Native community in Spokane. It reflects a shared commitment to fostering mutual respect, understanding, and accountability. Both parties are dedicated to the ongoing work of building trust and promoting public safety for all members of the community.

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