Fort Smith police, Choctaw Nation sign first cross-deputization pact in Arkansas

The Fort Smith Police Department and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma signed a cross-deputization agreement Sept. 5, marking the first tribal law enforcement agreement in Arkansas, according to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The memorandum of understanding establishes mutual aid and cross-jurisdictional cooperation between the Fort Smith Police Department and the Choctaw Nation’s Lighthorse Police.

The agreement allows officers from both agencies to respond to violations of the law, assist with arrests, investigations and detentions and provide emergency support when needed. Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton said in a social media post the agreement strengthens public safety and builds “a framework of mutual respect and trust for the future.”