Department History

In 1996, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation applied for and received a grant through the Department of Justice – COPS Office to start a Law Enforcement program on the reservation.  This was primarily to be in compliance with the recent compact with the state of Kansas to operate a gaming facility. 

In 1997, the Law Enforcement department was formed with the hiring of James J. Battese, as Chief of Police.  Chief Battese, his secretary and three officers began work out of two spare rooms in the Tribal Court building.  Immediately plans for a building were set.

In 1998, the new law enforcement building was ready to move into and staff was added, to include three-full time dispatchers.  The COPS office also granted a request for nine more officers.  This put the total number at 12.  At this staffing level, the department has the manpower to have no less than two officers on the road day and night.

1999, the department was able to begin hiring the approved officers as well as two more dispatchers.  A Police K-9 unit was added as well as the conservation program.

As 2000 rolled around, the department was beginning to be more accepted in the reservation community as well as the Law Enforcement community.  Area law enforcement agencies begin to notice the professionalism of the officers and the dispatch was cited as one of the better in Kansas (including those in large cities and counties).  The department was able to train some employees to be instructors in various areas including Hunter Safety Education, Defensive Driving and Child Passenger Safety.

2001 saw the addition of a Records section to the police department staff bringing the total to 20.  The officers and staff continued to become more involved with the community.  Making our reservation a better and safer place to live, raise a family and retire to.   

September 2002, Law Enforcement for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation celebrated five years in service.  

In early 2003, Kansas Legislature passed Senate Bill 9 which authorizes Tribal Police Officers to enforce state law with in the jurisdictional boundaries of the Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation.

In spring of 2005, we entered into agreements with the USD 337 Royal Valley School District and the Jackson County Sherriff's Department to provide a school resource officer to the Royal Valley School system.

We’ve come a long way in such a short time and are proud of our accomplishments.  This tremendous growth has not been without growing pains but we’ve all learned and grown with the department.  As a department we continue to make strides toward being the best-trained, most professional department in Northeast Kansas.  We owe a great deal to the Tribal Council for their continued support and trust.