Cherokee Nation Justice Services is dedicated to protecting community safety, upholding the rule of law, and strengthening public trust through fair, transparent, and effective justice operations. Working collaboratively across justice and law enforcement functions, the division ensures lawful processes, accountability, and coordinated service delivery that reflect the values, culture, and sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. Justice Services includes Law Enforcement (Court Bailiffs, Tribal Police Officers, and School Resource Officers), the Healing to Wellness Program, Detention Operations, Court-Ordered Supervision for juveniles and adults, Sex Offender Registration and Compliance, and Cherokee Nation Security—together supporting the courts, protecting individual rights, promoting accountability, and contributing to safe, sovereign, and healthy communities.
Adult Court-Ordered Supervision (Probation)
The Cherokee Nation Adult Probation team is composed of 10 - trained law enforcement professionals committed to excellence and continuous development. This division plays a critical role in upholding court orders and ensuring accountability throughout the probation period. From the moment supervision begins, our officers work to enforce all conditions set by the court, monitor compliance, and provide accurate reporting for judicial review. They coordinate with treatment providers, verify progress, and maintain strict adherence to timelines and legal requirements. Through advanced training and a strong focus on integrity, and culturally centered restorative justice, our team ensures that probation services operate efficiently, fairly, and in alignment with the Cherokee Nation’s commitment to justice and public trust.
Court Safety and Transport – Tribal Police
Our Court Safety and Transport team serves as a vital link between law enforcement and the judicial system, ensuring that court operations remain secure and efficient. Staffed by 15 - highly trained transport officers and court bailiffs, this team is responsible for the safe and timely movement of individuals to and from detention facilities, hearings, and other judicial proceedings. By maintaining strict security protocols and leveraging advanced scheduling systems, we uphold the integrity of court processes while prioritizing the safety of all participants. As the demands of our justice system grow, so does our commitment to excellence—continuously adapting to meet the needs of our Nation.
Detention Operations
The Cherokee Nation Detention Operations team consists of skilled professionals who work tirelessly to ensure safe, secure, and compliant custody from sentencing through release. Focused on advocacy and oversight, our team monitors medical and mental health needs, coordinates necessary medical visits, and verifies that contracted facilities meet established standards of care. By maintaining accurate release schedules and managing detention agreements, we provide accountability and protect the well-being of those under tribal jurisdiction. Our commitment reflects the Cherokee Nation’s dedication to justice, public trust, and humane treatment within the judicial process.
School Resource Officers
Our School Resource Officer program is dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for Cherokee Nation students. These officers serve as trusted mentors and protectors, building positive relationships with youth while promoting crime prevention and community engagement. Through proactive safety measures, educational outreach, and collaboration with school staff, our officers help ensure that tribal schools remain secure and welcoming spaces for learning. This program reflects our commitment to investing in the future of our Nation by safeguarding its most valuable resource—our children.
Cherokee Nation SecurityThe Cherokee Nation Security program is committed to safeguarding people, property, and resources across all tribal facilities. Our team of highly trained security professionals provides 24/7 protection through patrols, surveillance, and rapid response to incidents. We enforce policies that ensure the safety of employees, visitors, and assets while maintaining professionalism and integrity in every interaction. From monitoring access points and preventing unauthorized removal of property to responding to emergencies and coordinating with law enforcement, our department plays a vital role in creating a secure environment. Guided by best practices and continuous training, including CLEET certification and advanced technology systems—we uphold the Cherokee Nation’s commitment to safety, accountability, and public trust.
Sex Offender Registration and Compliance
The Cherokee Nation Sex Offender Registration and Compliance program is dedicated to protecting our communities and upholding the law. Our team ensures that individuals required to register are accurately documented, monitored, and in full compliance with federal, state, and tribal regulations. Through address verification, timely reporting, and regular compliance checks, we maintain the integrity of the registration process and promote public safety. We partner closely with law enforcement, courts, and community agencies to enforce requirements, provide clear guidance to registrants, and support accountability. Guided by professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to culturally centered justice, this program helps safeguard families and strengthen trust across the Cherokee Nation.
Call to Action
Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
The Cherokee Nation Department of Juvenile Justice works with youth referred from a variety of sources, including law enforcement, parents, schools, the Court, and other tribal departments. Our ultimate goal is to rehabilitate young people, helping them become productive Cherokee Nation citizens and break cycles of destructive behavior.
DJJ achieves this by conducting thorough assessments and connecting juveniles to essential services that support growth and accountability. We provide intake services, referrals, and probation for court-involved youth, ensuring each case receives individualized attention.
Through strong partnerships with other tribal departments, DJJ delivers holistic, wrap-around services for juveniles and their families or guardians—creating the best possible outcomes and fostering a safer, stronger community.
Contact Information:
Department of Juvenile Justice P.O. Box 1730 Muskogee, OK 74402 Phone: 918-453-5645 Email: CNAG-JUV@cherokee.org Fax: 918-682-2835
Juvenile Process and resource links:
Cherokee Nation Justice Services Healing to Wellness Court: Cherokee Nation Healing to Wellness
Tribal Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court
The Cherokee Nation Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court (JHWC) is a diversionary program designed for our tribal youth to combat substance use problems and other delinquent issues. The Cherokee Nation youth will be allowed the option to participate in the Cherokee Nation Tribal diversion services versus permanent legal consequences through Cherokee Nation District Court.
The JHWC will serve as a support for the youth to reduce and cease dependency to illicit substances, require active participation, and expect all youth to enter with a commitment to honesty and transparency throughout the process.
Family Case Management/Project Specialist will link the family to appropriate Cherokee Nation Human Service Programs to assist the family system as a whole.
Treatment Planning with culturally based services will be offered to the Cherokee Nation Youth Assisting the family with the identification of family strengths to build upon within the family unit for the betterment of the youth.
The JHWC is a program designed to help empower Cherokee Nation youth to cope with and overcome their substance and/or alcohol-related issues as well as other delinquent issues. The youth will learn to cope with these issues through accountability, counseling services, and supervision. The JHWC will require the participant to cease all substance use and alcohol use, actively participate, and be committed to being honest throughout the process. Cherokee Nation Department of Juvenile Justice understands this process will not be easy, but we will be here to walk alongside the youth and their family as they work through the identified issues.
The JHWC program consists of a four-phase treatment with each phase consisting of six to eight weeks of activities per level. The pace of each level is contingent on the level of commitment by the participant and family. Phases will be considered completed once the set of requirements are successfully completed and the request to move to the next phase is approved by the Department of Juvenile Justice court team. However, in some instances, participants can complete the phases early depending on the participant’s cooperation with the program. Case outcomes that will be considered with the participant’s individual treatment plan upon completing all four phases include: the participant’s discharge from the program, the Cherokee Nation District Court’s declination in filing a petition, and the availability of aftercare services to the youth and their family.
Contact info: Healing to Wellness 918-453-5645 CNAG-JUV@cherokee.org In subject line state "Healing to Wellness"
Law Enforcement Resources (Juvenile Offenses)
Truancy Program
The Cherokee Nation Department of Juvenile Justice recognizes that there is a correlation between truancy and delinquency. Statistically, children that have poor school attendance are at a higher risk for future involvement in the juvenile legal system. Prevention and intervention are keys to addressing the underlying causes of truancy. To refer a student with chronic absences, or even one that you would consider “at risk” for truancy due to previous referrals to State court, please use the basic form attached and provide us with attendance records. Then scan to the new dedicated email address truancy@cherokee.org for referrals.
Recognizing variances in individual school policy and recording of absences, we would also like to have a copy of your school’s attendance policy as written in the student handbook. This will assist our advocates and our court to know how to measure your student’s compliance.
All Native students that are members of any federally recognized tribe, ages 5-17, are eligible for our services. These students can be enrolled in traditional in-person classes, distance or virtual learning, or alternative learning. If you have a method to measure their attendance, then they can be referred for truancy when they are absent per your school’s policy.
Truancy Referral Form
Adult Justice Services justice-services@cherokee.org 918-453-5610
Cherokee Nation Attn: Justice Services P.O. Box 948 Tahlequah, OK 74465
Adult Probation918-207-3883 Attn: Adult Probation P.O. Box 948 Tahlequah, OK 74465
Department of Juvenile JusticeCNAG-JUV@cherokee.org918-453-5645 P.O. Box 1730 Muskogee, OK 74402
Justices Servicesjustice-services@cherokee.org918-453-5610 Cherokee Nation Attn: Justice Services P.O. Box 948 Tahlequah, OK 74465
SORNAcnsorna@cherokee.org918-207-3879 Cherokee Nation Attn: Justice Services P.O. Box 948 Tahlequah, OK 74465
