San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez joined local, state, and tribal leaders on May 6 in signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening efforts to investigate and prevent missing and murdered Indigenous person cases. The signing took place during Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Week at the Native American Monument in Capitol Park, Sacramento.
The new agreement is intended to make reporting easier, responses faster, and collaboration more seamless for families impacted by these cases. It brings together agencies including the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Jamul Indian Village of California, and Bureau of Indian Affairs as part of the San Diego County MMIP Collaborative.
Sheriff Martinez said, “As Sheriff for San Diego County, we are proud to partner with 18 federally recognized tribal governments to provide the best quality public safety services. Today’s signing solidifies and strengthens our commitment to the tribal communities we serve. It’s imperative to build trust among our communities. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office understands that trust is built through consistent engagement, transparency and open, reliable lines of communication. That is why not only do I have a designated tribal liaison to serve our tribal partners, but we also have a tribal issues advisory committee whose mission is to communicate and address any issues occurring with tribal law enforcement partners.” She added that clear communication protocols and rapid-response procedures are designed “to bring all available tools” to these investigations.
The MOU acknowledges disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous communities as well as systemic barriers that can discourage reporting when loved ones go missing. By outlining shared data practices among agencies involved in these investigations, officials hope families will feel less isolated or unheard during such crises.
Martinez further pledged ongoing support: “Participating in this week’s MMIP events not only reaffirmed our commitment to bring coordination and compassion to bring justice, closure and support to our tribal communities who have too often gone unheard and underserved. With today’s signing, we are reinforcing what already exists and promising that this work will continue with even greater coordination, transparency and commitment.” The Sheriff’s Office continues its participation in panels focused on impacts affecting native tribes as well as opportunities for enhanced relations between law enforcement agencies.
San Diego County Government supports historic preservation initiatives while delivering essential services through groups focused on public safety—such as those addressing MMIP concerns—health services, land use planning, finance administration; it also manages regional airports through its aviation department according to the official website.
