The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is working closely with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department to combat crime on the reservation. Chairman James Ramos began the outreach this spring due to concerns about public safety. Tribal members have been linked to the Mexican Mafia and a major drug ring was busted up on the reservation last year. "I'm not saying crime is running rampant, but it's a problem," Ramos told The Los Angeles Times. Ramos meets weekly with sheriff's deputies, who take classes to learn about Public Law 280. California has criminal jurisdiction over Indian Country, which has led to disputes that the tribe wants to avoid. Get the Story:
San Manuel reaches out to rid reservation of crime (The Los Angeles Times 6/23)
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