Yakama Nation Captain Awarded DEA Tribal Narcotics Officer Of The Year
YAKIMA, WASH. -- - On September 21, 2011, the U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA) presented the very first Tribal Narcotics Officer of the year award to Yakama Nation Captain James Shike III. This award is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was presented to Captain Shike III at the National Native American Law Enforcement Association Conference. This award highlights the importance of the outstanding efforts and contributions to Narcotics Enforcement in Indian Country and the enormous support provided by Captain Shike III and his personnel to the DEA Yakima Resident Office’s mission.
“Captain Shike III comes from a lineage of Yakamas that have proudly and well served the Yakama Nation and the Tribal Police Department; his grandfather retired back in 1985 as a lieutenant with the Tribal PD and his mother, who retired about two years ago, served at the Yakama Nation Tribal PD as well. We, as a Nation, feel very proud of Captain Shike III and are honored that one of our members received this award,” said Yakama Nation Tribal Council Chairman, Harry Smiskin. “We are proud to have him serving our Nation within the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department.”
As a result of his outstanding service and dedication to the community, Captain Shike III quickly rose through the ranks of the Yakama Nation Tribal Police. He began his career in 1994 as a Dispatcher/Jailer and today finds himself as the highest ranking member of the Yakama Tribal Police Department.
Under his leadership, the Yakama Nation has addressed drug trafficking, the proliferation of outdoor marijuana grows, violent crime, and gang related issues. This has been no easy task, as the department consists of 24 tribal police officers who are responsible for more than 1.3 million acres of land. In the last few years, Mexican Drug Trafficking Groups have illegally entered these sacred lands and have manufactured large scale marijuana grows in remote areas. These marijuana grows create substantial damage to the remote wilderness and the sacred lands, which places the tribal members and guests in great danger. Captain Shike III has been a catalyst for increased cooperation between the Yakama Tribal Police, Yakama Tribal Council, DEA, the Washington State Patrol and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In the last five years, over a half of a million marijuana plants have been eradicated from these lands. Because of these efforts and his ability to build and maintain relationships, this year there has been a significant decrease in outdoor marijuana cultivation on Yakama Tribal lands.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration commends Captain Shike III for his exceptional contribution to law enforcement and public safety.
