SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Senate has voted to temporarily give tribal police officers the same authority as non-tribal officers outside of reservations.
Senators approved the measure on a 19-9 vote on Monday, sending it to the state House. The bill would give tribal officers limited authority off reservations, including the power to continue pursuing suspects who leave tribal land and to take action when a crime is committed in front of them.
They’ll also be allowed to assist non-tribal law enforcement if another agency requests it. Beginning in 2013, tribal officers would have full police authority through 2019.
The Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association opposes the measure because it would give tribal officers authority off the reservation but would continue to restrict authority of non-tribal officers on reservations.
