Testimony on both sides on tribal policing bill
Clearwater County Sheriff Chris Goetz testified against the tribal policing bill, saying, "We currently enjoy a very good working relationship with the Nez Perce Tribe and the Nez Perce Tribal Police." He said, however, that some in his county have contacted him to oppose the bill. "When we work together, I feel we get the best results," Goetz told the House Judiciary Committee.
Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman McCoy Oatman testified in favor of the bill. "We believe that the legislation will help address some of the complex jurisdictional problems that constantly arise on tribal reservations," he told the committee. "This bill provides a framework to allow the broadest protection possible." Oatman said he's concerned that "many criminals that are non-tribal members feel that the reservation is a safe haven ... because our tribal officers aren't able to cite non-tribal members."