Delaware Nation signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the Delaware Nation Court Room that is intended to strengthen the government to government partnership and coordination between the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Justice Services (OJS) and Delaware Nation.

It is the expressed desire of both parties to maximize coordination and cooperation to increase the number of law enforcement officers interacting with the community and providing for public safety. This agreement will allow Delaware Nation Officer Darren Huff to work jointly with the BIA Anadarko Agency to provide police services to the area of jurisdiction as a Delaware Nation/BIA Tribal Police Officer.

Special Agent in Charge Jason O’ Neal said, “Crime decreases over time with the presence of active BIA Officers. We have been working on this for a long time and I am glad to be moving forward with it.” BIA Chief of Police Michael Longhat said, “Providing an on-site Officer to the tribe will help with the Casinos as a presence and will go a long way for us. Delaware Nation is the first tribe in Western Oklahoma to enter into this type of agreement with the BIA. The intention is to get other tribes to follow.”

Delaware Nation recognizes the need for increased uniformed patrol officers within its jurisdictional boundaries. The BIA and OJS currently administers law enforcement services for Delaware Nation.