Initial Report and Recommendations - Alaska Department of Law

♦ Gail Schubert, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Bering StraitsNative Corporation, representing the Alaska Native Justice Center.• The chief judge for the Federal District Court for the District of Alaska alsoappointed a non-voting representative, James E. Torgerson, an attorney withHeller Ehrman LLP, in Anchorage.Biographical sketches of all of the Commissioners are presented in Appendix B ofthis report. Technical support was provided by staff and contractors of the Alaska NativeJustice Center and others, who are acknowledged in Appendix C.C. ProtocolsOne of the first actions that the new Commission completed was the developmentand adoption of a set of protocols to guide its work. They were drafted and adopted bythe Commission and are quoted below (as amended):1. Guiding PrinciplesORGANIZATIONAL PROTOCOLSThe Alaska Rural Justice and Law Enforcement Commission members shallutilize the following principles in the conduct of their work. The Commissionmembers recognize that:All persons have a natural right to life, liberty and are entitled to equal rights,opportunities and protection under the law. There is a public interest in keepingour children, families and communities safe. The safety and security of citizens intheir communities is a fundamental responsibility of government.In general, local issues are best addressed at the local level. Rural lawenforcement and justice systems need to be developed and implemented withmeaningful involvement by rural residents.Federal, State and tribal laws and constitutions need to be interpreted to allow forresponsive, effective justice and law enforcement systems in rural Alaska.The Commission will consider all practical alternatives when makingrecommendations keeping in mind what is possible and not be limited by currentlegal frameworks.2. Commission managementa. Co-chairs. The Commission shall be presided over by theCongressionally designated Co-chairs. The Co-chairs shall call and chairmeetings, set agendas, and oversee the activities of the Commission andits staff.Alaska Rural Justice and Law Enforcement Commission - Page 32