DURANT, Okla. – 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.
“Chief of the Choctaw Nation, Gary Batton, said he is honored to play a role in the historic moment. “It’s very historical. It solidifies our relationship that we’ve had for many, many years. We have this great ability to work together and to recognize each other as sovereign entities and look for what’s best for our community,” Chief Batton said.
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.
"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 fortsmithar.gov communities thriving and safe."
“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.”
