The California Tribal Police Chiefs Association filed suit against the state of California last year to seek access to the state's law enforcement database.

Tribal police departments are the only governments denied access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. Tribal officials say the policy is discriminatory.

The state says tribes aren't allowed access because they are sovereign and not subject to state law. The state is worried about unauthorized use of the data, which lists criminal records and outstanding warrants.

The lawsuit is pending in state court.

Get the Story:
Indian police say they're handcuffed by lack of computer data (AP 2/7)

Related Stories:
Court sides with tribe in law enforcement dispute (11/12)
Tribal police chiefs seek access to state databases (10/06)