As a member of the Menominee Nation, Alan lives under a sovereign and independently self-governed tribal system within the United States. Alan studies criminal justice in hopes of one day working as a tribal police officer. He was taught in the community-oriented style of policing, which places more emphasis on changing negative behavior at the community-member level rather than the authoritative level, where police intervention often occurs. The Bear Clan is known for being the guardian of the Menominee people. Alan sees no difference between working in law enforcement, in which he is guarding the health and safety of his people, and his role in his clan. Alan is a modern-day warrior armed with an outstanding education and his people's respect. He uses his tribe's cultural and clan approaches to law enforcement and his education to make his reservation a safer place to live, while lowering crime and serving as a role model to future generations.