The Oneida Nation can serve as a "primary responsive law enforcement agency" under state law, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled today.

The tribe entered into a 15-year agreement with Brown County to serve as the primary agency for 911 calls originating in the village of Hobart. The area is limited to 1,700 acres where a high percentage of tribal members live.

The village, however, challenged the designation and sued the county. But the court of appeals said the deal was entirely lawful.

"We further conclude that by permitting county-tribal law enforcement programs, the legislature intended to encourage law enforcement coordination between counties and tribes," the decision stated.

The village's director of community development and tribal affairs is the former leader of an anti-Indian group.

Get the Story:
Appeals court rules for Brown County (Fox 11 Online 6/28)

Wisconsin Court of Appeals Decision:
Village of Hobart v. Brown County (June 28, 2011)