The attorney for Tama County in Iowa says the state is wrong to recognize the police powers of the Meskwaki Tribe.

Tama County Attorney Brent Heeren says the tribe's police officers shouldn't be considered officers of the state. He said the Legislature needs to define the tribe's law enforcement powers.

The Iowa attorney general's office has issued a non-binding opinion that states the tribe can enforce state law on the reservation. That would apparently eliminate the need for the county to provide services to the tribe.

The tribe has hired its own police force and was ready to start patrols until Tama County raised objections. The county could lose out on $190,000 for contracted law enforcement services to the reservation.

Get the Story:
AG's Meskwaki police opinion drawing fire (The Marshalltown Times Republican 9/21)

Relevant Links:
Meskwaki Tribe - http://www.meskwaki.org

Related Stories:
Iowa opinion backs Meskwaki Tribe's police powers (9/20)
Meskwaki Tribe's new police force hits the streets (08/30)
Meskwaki Tribe prepares for first police force (06/09)
Meskwaki Tribe swears in chief for new police force (03/23)