Video clears up little in Oneida dispute

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2001

A videotape documenting a scuffle between Oneida Nation of New York police officers and a tribal members has done little to resolve questions about the November 16 incident.

Both the police and Danielle Patterson say the tape proves their side of the story. The police say Patterson resisted arrested and hurt their offices while Patterson says she and her mother were harassed by the officers.

The video was taken by tribal officers to document their inspection of Patterson's home on the Oneida Reservation. The search order was approved by the U.S. Attorney's office and was executed with the help of local police.

The inspection was part of the tribe's "beautification" program. Tribal members say it is a ruse for the tribe to kick political dissidents off of the reservation.

Get the Story:
Tape speaks for itself' (The Syracuse Newspapers 12/8)

Related Stories:
Police video documents Oneida scuffle (12/7)
Oneida Nation disputes homes (11/20)