Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community DOC is classified as a US Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) facility located in Scottsdale , AZ. It has a strengthened perimeter fence, rows of triple razor wire on double fencing and electronic detection systems to ensure inmates stay within the confined areas within the facility. Each cell is either one or two-man units. The medium classification means that the inmates are supervised 24/7 with controlled movements. Medium security prisons house more serious offenders, but inmates can also be sent to serve time in a lower security facility for things like good behavior at the end of a sentence. To help inmates prepare themselves to rejoin the wider community offers a wide range of work and treatment programs.
Where does someone go after a BIA arrest?
Depends on the charges. County jail for most state or tribal offenses. Federal custody for Major Crimes Act offenses. Call 480-362-7299 immediately - BIA officers know exactly where the transfer went.
Is BIA the same as tribal police?
No. Tribal police are employed by and answer to the tribe. BIA Law Enforcement officers are federal employees of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Both may operate on the same reservation with overlapping but distinct authority.
What is the Major Crimes Act?
A federal law giving federal courts jurisdiction over specified serious felonies committed on Indian land regardless of the defendant's tribal membership. These cases are investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's office. If Major Crimes Act charges apply, federal criminal defense representation is needed immediately.
How do I find out if someone has an outstanding warrant from BIA?
Call 480-362-7299 or the Maricopa County Sheriff for local warrant information. For federal warrants, contact the U.S. Marshals Service. You can also search for warrants and arrest records online, though tribal and BIA records may not appear in standard civilian databases.
Who handles complaints about BIA officer conduct?
BIA Internal Affairs through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General. Complaints about BIA officer conduct do not go to the tribal council - BIA is a federal agency independent of tribal government.
A BIA arrest is a federal law enforcement action with federal consequences. The first call is 480-362-7299 to confirm where your family member is and what charges apply. The second call, for any serious offense, is to an attorney with federal Indian country experience. InmateAid is here to help you understand the framework and find the right resources.