The Law and Justice Department promotes the safety and well-being of community members and seeks justice for victims of crime.

Tribal Court

The Nez Perce Tribal Court handles criminal, civil, juvenile, and domestic cases.

Contact: (208) 843-7338 | courtclerk[at]nezperce.org

  • Lapwai: 208-843-7338
  • Kamiah: 208-935-2525

Police Department

The tribal police department works to keep communities safe and reduce crime.

Contact:

  • Lapwai: 208-621-4809
  • Kamiah: 208-935-4107
  • Nez Perce County Dispatch: 208-799-3131

You can also report concerns or tips by emailing police@nezperce.org

Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO)

TERO ensures that Nez Perce citizens have their rightful share of employment, training, and other economic opportunities. By applying Indian preference, TERO increases employment among tribal citizens.

Contact: Melvin Wheeler | 208-621-3714 | melvinw@nezperce.org

  • Lapwai: 208-843-7363
  • Kamiah: 208-935-4703

Prevailing Wage Scale 
This wage determination is subject to change and applies to all contracts within the jurisdiction of the Nez Perce Tribe Title 9 (TERO) unless Davis Bacon prevailing wages are applied to the contract, whichever is higher including apprentice and/or training

Click here for TERO Bylaws and Ordinance

Child Support Enforcement

To protect the well-being of children, the Nez Perce Child Support Enforcement Program helps ensure children are supported by both parents. Based on cultural values and the tribal code, the program helps to reach agreements on child support. The program also assists with:

  • Locating the other parent
  • Paternity testing
  • Beginning the legal process to receive child support payments
  • Enforcing child support orders
  • Changing current child support orders

Contact: 208-843-7362

Public Defender’s Office

The Public Defender represents all persons, juvenile and adult, accused of criminal matters in the Nez Perce Tribal Court. We strive to provide full representation throughout a case, to ensure each Tribal member’s civil rights are protected, and to provide information on rights and protections under Nez Perce Tribal Code and the Indian Civil Rights Act.

Contact: (208) 621-3866 | Leslieg@nezperce.org

Defender Staff:

Carmel McCurdy, Public Defender
Leslie Gilley, Office Specialist

Prosecutor’s Office

The Tribal Prosecutor represents the Nez Perce Tribe before the Court in criminal and juvenile cases.

Contact: 208-843-7361 | delraek@nezperce.org

Prosecutor Staff:

Anne Kelleher, Prosecutor
Del Rae Kipp, Administrative Specialist

Adult & Juvenile Probation

The mission of the Adult and Juvenile Probation Department is to deliver high-quality probation service to all eligible clients, encouraging the rehabilitation and recovery of all defendants on probation by following fair, consistent, and transparent procedures that are consistent with the historical, cultural, and traditional practices of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Contact: Lapwai 208-621-3518; Kamiah 208-621-4776 | saram@nezperce.org

Probation Staff:

Sara Moffett, Supervisor
Kenneth Bourgeau, Probation Officer II
Keith Kipp Sr., Probation Officer I & Community Service Coordinator