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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation will work even more closely with one of it’s tribally-owned businesses under a new agreement to increase law enforcement at Cherokee Casinos.

Under a new agreement, the Marshals will provide training, support and additional officers at Cherokee Casinos.

“We have marshals on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said David Stewart, President and CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises (CNE), which runs Cherokee Casinos. “With this agreement, we are able to increase both the number and the professionalism of our security staff.”

In August, the Cherokee Nation Marshals, who have received high-level federal law enforcement certifications, began training Cherokee Casino security officers in Catoosa, West Siloam Springs and Roland. The Marshals also placed additional deputies on-site at the casinos.

“The additional training and staff improves the safety of our customers and our employees,” Stewart said. “We make it our goal to provide the most pleasant and professional gaming atmosphere possible.”

Stewart said CNE will also utilize the marshals’ financial investigation unit to fight against potential fraud. “The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service is one of the best trained, most professional law enforcement agencies in northeastern Oklahoma,” Stewart said. “Working closely with the Marshals ensures that our patrons can enjoy themselves in a worry-free atmosphere.”

The Cherokee Nation Marshals are responsible for law enforcement on all Indian trust and restricted land within the Cherokee Nation’s 14-county jurisdiction. Since all Cherokee Casinos, by law, operate on tribal trust land, the Marshal Service has always taken the lead on eliminating criminal behavior at casino sites.

“The new agreement with CNE re-enforces the Cherokee Nation’s commitment to keeping the casinos safe and crime-free,” said David Roberts, director of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service.

CNE employs more than 900 people in northeastern Oklahoma and operates gaming facilities in Roland, West Siloam Springs and Catoosa as well as convenience stores, smoke shops, a gift shop and a golf course. CNE’s revenue is used to fund health care, education and community services for Native Americans in northeastern Oklahoma.