Ore. House gives full authority to tribal police

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon House has voted to give tribal police officers the same authority as non-tribal officers outside of reservations.

Representatives approved the measure Wednesday on a 33-25 vote, over the objections of Republicans who said it doesn’t provide enough oversight of the tribal officers.

The measure now goes back to the Senate, which has already approved the bill but is scheduled to decide this evening whether to accept changes made in the House. Gov. John Kitzhaber is expected to sign the bill if it is approved.

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.