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Connecticut | Opinion
Column: Doubts about policing of non-Indians at tribal casinos


"It is pretty clear that police officers employed by American Indian tribes do not have criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians, according to a 1978 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court known as Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe.

Some subsequent rulings have upheld this principle, adding some clarification. A 1990 decision of the court, for instance, said tribal police can exclude undesirable non-Indians from tribal lands and can detain offenders and transfer them to proper authorities.

But, considering the Supreme Court decisions, tribal police should not have unchecked authority to arrest wrongdoers in Connecticut's vast casinos and prosecute them.

We non-Indians should be grateful for that. After all, tribal governments are distinct entities, and non-Indian Americans might hope that when they are arrested it is by a law enforcement agency of a government accessible to all."

Get the Story:
David Collins: Gov. Malloy: Don't withdraw police from casinos (The New London Day 6/8)

Also Today:
State backs tribal police at Foxwoods (AP 6/8)

Related Stories:
Mohegan Tribe ready to provide more policing service at casino (6/4)