Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act
Apr 19, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1173
Became law: Apr 19, 2022
Apr 19, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1173
Became law: Apr 19, 2022
Summary
Changes the job title for certain Native American police officers to special agents and plans to expand the program to other tribal lands.
What problem does this solve?
Native American tactical officers known as "Shadow Wolves" lacked the job classification of special agents, which could limit their authority and career growth. This law allows them to be reclassified as special agents after training and requires a plan to keep, hire, and expand these units to other tribal lands.
What does this law do?
Reclassifies current Shadow Wolves
Allows current tactical enforcement officers on the Tohono O'odham Nation to become GS-1811 special agents after completing specific training.
Allows program expansion to other tribes
Authorizes creating similar units on other tribal lands near the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico borders, with the tribe's consent.
Requires a strategy for program growth
The Secretary of Homeland Security must create a plan to retain, recruit, and expand the Shadow Wolves program within 90 days.
Who does this affect?
- Native American law enforcement officers
- Tohono O'odham Nation
- Border-region Indian tribes
What is the real world impact?
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Enhances border security on tribal lands
Improves the effectiveness of a specialized Native American tracking unit by giving them better job titles and career paths. This helps keep experienced officers and hire new ones to patrol the border.
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Strengthens tribal law enforcement partnerships
By raising the status of these officers and requiring tribal consent for expansion, the law formally recognizes the value of tribal members in federal law enforcement, potentially improving relationships.
When does this start?
This law sets multiple deadlines for reports and strategies following its enactment on April 19, 2022.
Strategy submission deadline
Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a strategy for retaining, recruiting, and expanding the Shadow Wolves program.