Public Law 280: The path forward
The third floor conference room at the Lake County Courthouse was packed last Thursday as law enforcement, legislators and members of the community gathered for a public meeting about the possible impacts of the county's decision to withdraw from Public Law 280. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
“You have my commitment that – no matter what happens going forward – if you call 911, we're coming,” Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said during a crowded meeting at the Lake County Courthouse last Thursday.
“We don't care, frankly, who the bad guy is until we know everybody's safe,” he added.
The sheriff, county and civil attorneys, county commissioners and members of various law enforcement agencies were on hand for a public meeting to address questions and concerns about Lake County’s recent announcement that it’s pulling out of Public Law 280. The agreement between the state, county and Tribes has governed felony law enforcement on the Flathead Reservation since nearly six decades.
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