By: Augusta McDonnell
CHICKASHA, Oklahoma -
The Bureau of Indian Affairs commissioned 13 local police officers Friday in Chickasha to prosecute tribal members under tribal and federal laws.
This move comes after the U.S. Supreme Court McGirt decision made big changes to the law enforcement landscape in the state.
After the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision in July 2020 and the subsequent Bosse appeal ruling in March, tribal land expanded to cover millions more acres in Oklahoma -- effectively restoring 19th century boundaries.
But that didn’t mean local law enforcement agencies had the authority to prosecute tribal members in their jurisdiction.