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MUSKOGEE, OK - The Cross-deputization with the BIA and local authorities is being viewed by the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma, as a vote of confidence in the professionalism of the Cherokee Marshal Service.

Chief Smith said, "Cross-deputization with the BIA, Nowata County and the city of Westville shows the growing confidence and cooperative spirit the communities in northeastern Oklahoma have in working with the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service," Smith said.

The cross-deputization means that the Cherokee Marshals can now enforce laws on non-Indian as well as Indian land and vice versa.

According to officials this agreement, along with agreements made with other surrounding communities, will help with local crime investigations. In the past, the Cherokee Marshal service has worked with both local and federal law enforcement agencies to help solve murder and drug cases.

During the month of November, CNO Marshals continued to crackdown on methamphetamines by seizing two labs, and making multiple arrests. The Marshals also found themselves tracking suspects who fled from the scene.

The CNO Marshal Service was called in to assist in another meth-lab arrest on November 21, 2000 by the Locust Grove Chief of Police.

The director of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Dave Roberts said, "The reason he called us is because we have the expertise to bust meth labs." Roberts also said, "Our officers are valuable assets and we're always happy to assist other local law enforcement agencies."

The problem of methamphetamine labs is not only growing in Oklahoma but also in Missouri and Kansas, according to state officials all reporting high numbers of the drug labs.

"These criminals are a danger to themselves, to their communities and to law enforcement officers," Roberts said. "That's why it's so important that we put the people who run these labs behind bars."

The CNO Marshals, now have liability protection under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The marshals said they hope to enter into cross-deputization agreements with all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies within the CNO's 14-county jurisdictional area.