Tribal leaders told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee they need more resources to combat an increase in gang activity on their reservations.

Four witnesses said gangs are getting more violent. John Mousseau, a council member for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, of South Dakota, cited three gang-related shootings and incidents on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the last month.

"The simple truth is we need more officers, and we need them now," Mousseau told the committee.

Mousseau said the tribe has counted 39 gangs on the reservation. The tribe only has 12 officers on duty at a time to patrol the 2.7 million-acre reservation.

Brian Nissen, a council member for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington, said six Indian and Hispanic gangs fight for territory. His younger brother was in a gang until he changed his life and recently graduated from college, he told the committee.

Get the Story:
Tribal leaders seek help in fighting gangs (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 7/31)
Tribal leaders seek help with Indian gang activity (AP 7/30)

Committee Hearing:
OVERSIGHT HEARING to examine the increase of gang activity in Indian country (July 30, 2009)

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Senate Indian Affairs hearing on gang activity (7/24)