Recent incidents are highlighting issues of jurisdiction, law enforcement and cooperation on the Narragansett Reservation in Rhode Island.

Police in the town of Charlestown say the tribe's officers aren't being cooperative with the investigation into a stolen all-terrain vehicle that was recovered on the reservation. But the tribe's officers say the town should have informed them of the theft.

Last weekend, Charlestown police pursued a tribal council member onto the reservation. A brief stand-off ensued in which the council member allegedly punched an officer. The incident came a week after tribal police arrested a non-Indian off the reservation.

The tribe's settlement act grants the state criminal and civil jurisdiction on the tribe's settlement lands. The tribe has its own federally-trained police force.

Get the Story:
ATV incident highlights problem with communication (The Providence Journal 3/5)
Tribe official denies punching police officer (The Providence Journal 3/2)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

Related Stories:
Narragansett Tribe seeks police agreement with town (3/3)