Major steps taken to give tribal law enforcement more authority

By Dorreen Yellow Bird, Press Secretary

Elmer Four Dance, Special Agent in Charge, read a Department Agreement to tribal police and Fish and Game officers’ (both BIA) that outlines their authority to enforce tribal laws in a partnership between these two agencies.  Game and Fish will have the authority assist tribal police in enforcing all laws of the tribe not just those offenses that surround game and fishing. 

This expanded authority does not; however include enforcement of state and county laws over non-Indians.

The tribal police and Game and Fish can assist in major crimes that include non-Indians but must notify federal authorities.

Officers Marvel Heart, Fred Poitra, James Baker, Charlie Wilkinson and Blain Dixon were given certificates and letters that outline their authority on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

This partnership between tribal police and Game and Fish in a major step in giving the tribe more authority to enforce laws on the Fort Berthold reservation, said Four Dance at a meeting with the officers.

During the meeting, Special Agent Four Dance was given an eagle Pendleton blanket for his accomplishments with the Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement.

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