By Michael Gho, TCC Tribal Protection & Safety Division Director
For generations, Alaska Native and Native American communities have experienced the heartbreaking and persistent crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP)—an issue that, for far too long, was overlooked by mainstream institutions. Thankfully, in recent years, this crisis has begun to receive the attention it deserves, with more agencies acknowledging its gravity and committing to action. The collaboration between the Tribal Community Coalition on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (TCC MMIP) and the Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) marks a meaningful step forward. This partnership not only seeks to improve investigative outcomes, but also to strengthen communication and coordination between law enforcement and Tribal communities.
How TCC MMIP and FPD Work Together
The TCC MMIP initiative is rooted in a commitment to addressing the longstanding and complex crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. With a focus on cultural sensitivity and community-centered approaches, TCC MMIP ensures that the voices of Indigenous families are heard and respected throughout the investigative process.
The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD), meanwhile, brings critical law enforcement infrastructure and investigative expertise to the partnership, helping to formalize procedures and provide broader resources for case management.
A key element of this collaboration is the integration of TCC personnel at the patrol level during initial missing persons reports. This means that when a case is reported, TCC representatives are among the first responders—working side by side with FPD officers to gather information and offer culturally appropriate support to affected families. This joint response strengthens the early stages of investigations and builds deeper trust between law enforcement and the Indigenous community.
Addressing Misunderstandings in Procedures
While the collaboration between TCC and FPD represents meaningful progress, differences in procedures and communication styles can occasionally create challenges. One common source of confusion stems from the perception of overlapping roles. Though both parties share the goal of resolving cases effectively, their approaches differ; TCC emphasizes culturally responsive, community-based support, while FPD operates within a traditional law enforcement structure. Clearly defining roles and maintaining open lines of communication are essential to ensuring smooth coordination.
Another area of misunderstanding involves the perceived urgency in handling missing persons cases. TCC strongly advocates for immediate response and heightened visibility, recognizing the critical importance of early action—especially in Indigenous communities where trust in the system has historically been strained. FPD, by contrast, may follow established protocols that can affect the pace of an investigation. Regular dialogue and alignment of priorities are necessary to bridge these differences and ensure that each case is approached with the urgency and cultural care they deserve.
Building Strong Communication
To help prevent misunderstandings, TCC MMIP and the Fairbanks Police Department hold monthly meetings. These regular check-ins give both teams a chance to talk about current cases, share updates, and work through any challenges with procedures or roles. Keeping communication open allows both sides to adjust their approaches when needed and respond more effectively.
This ongoing partnership is an important step in improving how missing persons cases—especially those involving Indigenous individuals—are handled. By working together from the start of a case and staying in regular contact, TCC and FPD are building a stronger, more united response.
It is crucial for them to continue addressing misunderstandings regarding procedures and roles, ensuring that their combined efforts lead to positive outcomes for families affected by these tragic circumstances. As they move forward, the focus must remain on building trust, enhancing communication, and prioritizing the needs of the communities they serve.