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Rape Exams and Indian Reservations

Montana has seven Indian reservations that are under tribal and federal jurisdiction for law enforcement. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local tribal police can all have a law enforcement presence on reservations. The FBI laboratory has resources dedicated specifically to processing evidence collected from Indian reservations. In addition, health care on reservations is provided by the federal Indian Health Service.

Given this federal jurisdiction, where does a state-sanctioned rape kit fit in? It's simple: Montana rape kits can be used to perform rape exams on reservations.

Here's why:

  • The FBI laboratory does not sponsor or sanction the use of a particular rape kit.
  • The FBI laboratory will process evidence regardless of the type of rape kit used.
  • Federal agencies do not routinely provide training for healthcare professionals on performing rape exams.
  • Occasionally, the Montana state crime lab analyzes cases submitted by the BIA and FBI as a professional courtesy.

Given this situation, we strongly encourage healthcare professionals from the Indian Health Service to use the Montana Rape Kit when performing rape exams and to take the training course provided on this website to become proficient in its use.

Learn about the Montana Rape Kit.

Order rape kits.

Learn more about this training program.