Fort Smith Police Department and Choctaw Nation Sign Historic Cross-Deputization Agreement
Fort Smith, AR--In a historic move for public safety and intergovernmental collaboration, the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma have signed a cross-deputization agreement—marking the first-ever tribal law enforcement agreement in the State of Arkansas.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on Friday, September 5, establishes mutual aid and cross-jurisdictional cooperation between FSPD and the Choctaw Nation’s Lighthorse Police Department. The agreement is designed to enhance safety and strengthen law enforcement coverage for communities within the City of Fort Smith and areas of the Choctaw Nation’s reservation and Indian Country located in Arkansas.
"I am very excited and honored to help welcome the Choctaw Nation to the City of Fort Smith and State of Arkansas," said Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker. "I look forward to partnering with the Lighthorse Police in protecting Fort Smith and the great people of the Choctaw Nation. The story of Fort Smith includes those of our Native American brothers and sisters, and together, we will work to keep our shared communities thriving and safe."
The agreement allows officers from both agencies to respond to observed violations of the law, assist one another with arrests, investigations, and detentions, and provide emergency support when needed. It stems from Arkansas Senate Bill 510, which authorized cross-deputization partnerships between Arkansas law enforcement agencies and federally recognized tribes.
Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation, who shared the news on social media, noted, “Through this partnership, we are strengthening public safety, enhancing cooperation, and building a framework of mutual respect and trust for the future.”
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From left to right: Zach Hendrix - Captain, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police,
Michael Hall - Executive Director of Public Safety, Choctaw Nation,
Chief Michael Woodruff - Chief of Police, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police,
Brian McClain - Choctaw Nation Government Affairs,
Sara Jane Smallwood Cocke - Choctaw Nation Government Affairs,
Chief Gary Batton - Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma,
George B. McGill - Fort Smith Mayor,
Danny Baker - Fort Smith Chief of Police,
Chris Hoover - Grants and Government Relations Manager, City of Fort Smith Jennifer Petrovich - Mayor's Executive Assistant
“The signing of this cross-deputization agreement between Chief Danny Baker and Chief Gary Batton marks a historic step in strengthening the bonds of trust and cooperation between Fort Smith and the Choctaw Nation,” said Fort Smith Mayor George B. McGill “This partnership ensures seamless law enforcement across jurisdictions and reflects our shared commitment to protecting and serving all who live, work, and visit our communities. I am grateful for the leadership shown by both chiefs in forging this agreement, which will stand as a model for future collaborations.”
The City of Fort Smith is proud to lead the way in honoring tribal sovereignty while promoting collaboration that benefits all residents.
More:
Arkansas SB 510 (now Act 594)
Arkansas SB 510 Strengthens Law Enforcement Collaboration, Public Safety
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About the City of Fort Smith
The City of Fort Smith is committed to providing resident-focused services, maintaining reliable infrastructure, and creating an environment that fosters economic advancement and a thriving community. Fort Smith strives to be a dynamic, business, family, and military friendly destination that welcomes people from all over the world.
About the Fort Smith Police Department
Working toward a day when our profession is no longer needed, we shall relentlessly pursue perfection in all we do knowing excellence can be obtained. We will strive to improve the lives of everyone we encounter. Service, Honor, Integrity, Education, Legacy and Dedication (S.H.I.E.L.D.) will be our guiding principle as we work hand-in-hand with every segment of our community to seek permanent peace, justice, and security for all.
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with almost 230,000 tribal members and over 13,000 associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.
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