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Public Safety

Public Safety
Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department

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To follow and carry out the guidance of the Cowlitz Indian tribe’s: constitution; laws; ordinance; civil and criminal statutes; and the rules and regulations, in a spirit of support for the Cowlitz tribal members. We strive in fostering justice, freedom and equality for the Cowlitz tribal members.

The department was created to continue in backing social economic justices for the Cowlitz people; to protect and secure the aboriginals lands and natural resources, and therein preserve the Cowlitz culture.

The Director of the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department (CITPSD) is the highest-ranking officer in the Police Department under the authority of the Cowlitz Tribal Code. The Director is appointed by and accountable to the Cowlitz Tribal Council. This position is responsible for the conduct of operations, the efficient and effective utilization of the department’s financial and human resources, and planning.

CITPSD is committed to integrating community policing and community outreach to reduce crime and solve problems proactively.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department emphasizes building trust and providing open lines of communication with the community while providing exceptional service to meet the needs and priorities of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and its members. The Department is committed to upholding and protecting the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and its sovereignty. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have questions about the program?

Is this an emergency? If so, dial 911.

  1. Did the incident happen on the Cowlitz Reservation or Cowlitz Tribal Properties?
  2. Do you know the suspect(s) or where to find the suspect(s) who committed the crime?
  3. Do you know the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in?
  4. Did the incident involve firearms (used by a suspect or taken in a theft)?
  5. Did the incident involve theft of a motor vehicle or licensed trailer?

If you can answer “Yes” to the first question you can file your report by calling:

Clark County Non-Emergency number or 311.  An officer will be notified to contact you to take a full report of the incident.

Filing a false police report is a crime

A person who knowingly makes a false or misleading material statement to a police officer may be found guilty of a crime.  "Material statement" means a written or oral statement reasonably likely to be relied upon by a police officer for investigation.

Click the link below to submit a complaint

 Citizen Complaint Form

Identity theft involves a category of crimes; including burglary, auto prowl, theft, mail theft, check fraud, forgery and criminal impersonation. Victims can be devastated by the effects this crime has on their financial well-being. One act can lead to an almost endless series of crimes. Most losses are not monetary, so damage can be difficult to quantify.

The justice system is often overwhelmed with cases, resulting in ineffective punishment when compared with the number of crimes committed.

Unfortunately, Identity Theft is a problem for everyone living, working, doing business or banking in Clark County. There are things you can do and steps you can take to protect yourself. If you have already been victimized there are resources available to help you. Join us in our efforts to Impact Identity Theft. The following are some basic rules to follow to protect your identity and what to do if you are the victim of identity theft.

What to do if your identity (wallet, purse, checkbook, social security number, etc.) is stolen

  1. Obtain Police Report number, your banking institution will need it for reference.
  2. Cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll-free numbers and your credit card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.
  3. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, as this proves to the credit providers you were diligent and is a first step toward an investigation.
  4. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and social security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

National Rredit Reporting Organizations
Equifax – 800.525.6285
Experian (formerly TRW) - 800.301.7195
Trans Union - 800.680.7289

Social Security Administration Fraud Line – 800.269.0271
Federal Trade Commission – 877-IDTHEFT  (877.438.4338)

More Resources to Help Protect Your Identity
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Click here for more information about recovering from identity theft or fraud ecovering from identity theft or fraud 

Do you need to fill out a collision report form?

Washington State Patrol provides these forms at the following website: Washington State Patrol Collision Reports.

Requests of records should be submitted through the Public Safety Administration Dept. 

  • You will need to fill out the proper form and submit your request for records. 
    *Note:  all requests will be reviewed for approval once received.

What to expect after you submit a request

Within five business days after the receipt of a request, a Cowlitz Tribal representative will do one or more of the following:

  1. Make requested records available for inspection or copying
  2. Acknowledge the receipt of the request and provide a reasonable estimate of when requested records will be available.
  3. Seek clarification of unclear requests.
  4. Deny the request and cite the legal exemption.

Will I be charged for public records? 
Fees vary according to records being requested.

If you are victim of Domestic Violence there is help for you and services available.

Tribal, local government and law enforcement along with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to protecting the public and ensuring that the rights of victims are carefully observed. HSI administers a Victim Notification Program which allows eligible victims and witnesses to obtain reliable, timely information regarding a criminal alien's release from custody. Victims and witnesses are required to register with ICE in order to receive notification.

To be eligible you must be a Native American or Alaska Native (you do not have to be enrolled) who has experienced, or know someone who has experienced, domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking at any point in your life. Services are also available to clients of all other Health and Human Services Programs regardless of Native identity.

Click here to learn more about PTH

Our Locations
Ridgefield Office
31501 NW 31st Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Phone: (360) 727-2119
Fax: (360) 309-5908
Hours:
  • The Public Safety Administration Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM -5:00 PM
  • Police Officers are on duty 24/7
  • In case of an emergency afterhours, please call 911
Contact

About

The legacy of an ancient people in southwest Washington is rich with descendants who manage a growing portfolio of health, education, scientific research, housing, transportation, development, elder care, conservation and legal issues. The Cowlitz Tribe is a growing force in community building in what are now Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis and parts of Pierce, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties, a vast territory occupied by numerous Cowlitz villages prior to non-Cowlitz exploration and seizure. Today, an elected Tribal Council is composed of professionals adept at managing multiple programs and projects.