Walter Lamar founded Lamar Associates as a natural extension of his nearly 25-year career in federal law enforcement and security. As an FBI Special Agent, Walter conducted hundreds of complex federal investigations including work on the infamous Zodiac Killer case, the Green River murders, the Oklahoma City Federal Building (Murrah Building) bombing and numerous high-profile fugitive investigations. His work was recognized by numerous FBI commendations, including two Shields of Bravery– Walter is one of only two agency personnel ever to receive more than one.
While a law enforcement executive at the Department of the Interior, the Department called on Walter to conduct security assessments of the nation’s major dams and national icons–such as the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge–subsequent to the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Walter received a special Secretarial commendation for his work in keeping America’s national treasure safe.
Since its inception in 2005, Lamar Associates has participated in a significant number of important engagements, a few of which are highlighted below.
Investigations
One of Lamar Associates’ first major contracts required us to conduct investigations to locate American Indians owed money by the federal government. The Department of the Interior, Office of the Special Trustee (OST), engaged Lamar Associates to conduct complex investigations to locate people whom OST had not been able to contact, after trying for decades in some cases. Over the course of the two-year contract our “Whereabouts Unknown” investigations found hundreds of people, owed millions of dollars. So many wonderful stories emerged, for instance a case when we found a woman who was adopted at birth. With their mutual permission, we were able to introduce her to a biological sister. We later received an email telling us they were able to meet in person and they excitedly reported they wear the same perfume.
Lamar Associates, working with a cadre of former FBI and IRS special agents, conducted investigations at several Indian gaming operations. Using Certified fraud examiners, forensic accountants and other white collar crime experts, our teams conducted complex investigations into allegations of impropriety. In each case our investigations led to extensive change to ensure the integrity of the gaming operations.
Lamar Associates conducted Due Diligence investigations to assist clients to determine if in persons or businesses wishing to engage in commerce with them were deserving of trust. In one such case, an individual wishing to do business in Indian Country was found to have falsely represented his financial worth and stability, and failed to mention the existence of a U.S. Securities and Exchange investigation. In a Washington Post article about Lamar Associates the client was quoted as saying, “Walter’s got a cop mentality and 100 percent showed me he doesn’t believe in anything until it’s proven true.”
Lamar Associates is a proven expert at finding people and conducting the most complex investigations.
Security
Lamar Associates had the wonderful opportunity to work with an Alaskan Native Corporation to assess the operations of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. Working to assist those who protect our Nation’s military leadership was meaningful and rewarding. Our assessment team brought several decades of combined security and law enforcement experience and successfully enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
Lamar Associates has conducted security assessments of Indian gaming commission facilities to ensure extremely sensitive hard copy and electronic files were effectively protected. In addition to file security, the assessments also examined employee safety and security measures. During one assessment, a former FBI security expert demonstrated the false sense of security offered by locked file cabinets when he opened a drawer with a paperclip. Our recommendations for security included steps from using simple security methods to implementing the most complex electronic measures.
Lamar Associates conducted security assessments of Tribal headquarters facilities to ensure deliberations affecting multi-million dollar decisions were properly protected. Our recommendations included routine electronic sweeps to detect listening devices, hidden cameras and telephone conversation interception. Our assessments have also recommended physical and electronic security measures to ensure the safety Tribal employees and leadership.
Our experts drafted detailed and specific policy and procedures to guide and direct an Indian casino’s security team. The policy and procedure concentrated on establishing a hospitable atmosphere while providing security for assets and lives.
Lamar Associates has repeatedly provided tourism security presentations at the annual American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association conference. The presentations focus on aging Baby Boomers and their need to be assured of their safety while traveling and spending millions in tourism-related dollars.
Lamar Associates has conducted school security assessments and presentations. Our experts know and understand how to protect students, teachers and staff in all circumstances, and ensure a secure learning environment for our young people.
Law Enforcement
Lamar Associates maintains a strong law enforcement focus based on our principals’ decades of experience. Our team has conducted assessments for Indian Country law enforcement programs and community security departments. The reviews and assessments ensure programs comply with mandated requirements, industry standards, and best practices.
We evaluate organizational structure, communications, training, records management systems, management and operational function for effectiveness and efficiency. Employee climate surveys are included in the assessments to gauge employee satisfaction and expectations. The assessments are accompanied by step-by-step recommendations. Before we engage in assessments, we typically suggest programs first initiate a self-inspection exercise or submit a request to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services to ensure they are approaching their need in the most cost-effective manner.
Emergency Preparedness
Lamar Associates, along with our trusted partner Vander Weele Group, were engaged to draft a template emergency management plan for the Bureau of Indian Education’s 184 schools. The 135-page template and attendant rapid response guide was approved and disseminated for use. Our team presented at a number of BIE-sponsored events and facilitated tabletop exercises to demonstrate the importance of all-hazards preparedness.
We partnered with the National Center for Emergency Preparedness, Vanderbilt University, to present training sessions for tribal communities. The sessions concentrated on developing emergency response capability to manage all-hazard disaster.
Subject Matter Expertise
Lamar Associates is 100% Native-owned and all the principals enjoy first-hand experience based on long careers in law enforcement and training for tribes throughout the nation. Walter Lamar, as well as other Lamar Associate staff, are well-known as dynamic speakers and are available for consultation, lectures or programming on a range of topics related to Indian Country.
Representation and Consultation
Based on our knowledge of Indian Country and the federal government, coupled with our vast list of federal and tribal contacts, Lamar Associates has been approached by a number of companies seeking Indian Country and federal government introductions to market their services.
To ensure only those companies with stellar reputations and documented past performance are represented by Lamar Associates, each is vetted to the satisfaction of our principals. Once vetted, Lamar Associates works to assist companies effectively market their services to various Indian Country entities to include law enforcement, security and gaming. Lamar Associates has represented over ten different companies in addition to offering consulting for a significant number of others.
We are proud of our associates and our representation and consulting have resulted in a substantial number of contracts that benefit all parties.
If you would like a client list in your area of interest, or references from our satisfied clients, we will be happy to provide it for you. Just get in touch and we’ll send you more information.
