"The Tribal Law and Order Act gives tribes and the federal government more authority to fight crimes committed on Indian land. Supporters of the law pointed out that the crime rate on many reservations far exceeds the national average. This is especially true with violent crimes.

Among other things, the law will allow for the appointment of special U.S. attorneys, retools training for tribal police, upgrades the collection of Indian crime data, gives tribal police greater access to criminal history databases, and deputizes tribal police to enforce federal law.

The cross-deputizing agreements Oklahoma tribes have had for many years have been beneficial. Here's hoping the new federal law helps ensure that those who break the law on Indian land are made to pay instead of being allowed to go unpunished due to the maze of regulations that often bind law enforcement's hands."

Get the Story:
Editorial: New federal law aims to help tribes, law enforcement (The Oklahoman 8/7)

Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act:
H.R.725

Tribal Law and Order Act:
S.797 | H.R.1924

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