Meeting to address tribal public safety challenges

POJOAQUE PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) – Federal prosecutors, law enforcement officers and social workers are meeting in New Mexico to address some of the public safety challenges that are unique to American Indian communities.

The Four Corners Indian Country Conference is being put on by the U.S. Justice Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. attorneys in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West will kick off the three-day conference Tuesday with a keynote address that will focus on the Justice Department's efforts to protect victims.

U.S. Attorneys Ken Gonzales of New Mexico, John Walsh of Colorado and David Barlow of Utah are expected to address the conference along with Pojoaque Pueblo Gov. George Rivera and other federal officials.