PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Legislature has voted to give tribal police officers the same authority as non-tribal officers outside of reservations.
The House and Senate approved the measure Wednesday despite objections from county sheriffs who said it doesn’t provide enough oversight of the tribal officers.
The measure now goes to Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber, who is expected to sign it.
It would give tribal officers the power to continue pursuing suspects who leave tribal land. Officers could also make an arrest if a crime is committed in front of them.
The Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association has opposed the measure because it would give tribal officers authority off the reservation but would continue to restrict authority of non-tribal officers on reservations.
