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County approves cross-deputization agreement with Grand Traverse Band to address jurisdictional gaps
Summary
The board approved an intergovernmental agreement to cross-deputize Grand Traverse Band tribal police with the county sheriff's office, aiming to remove jurisdictional barriers to immediate law-enforcement response on trust land; the sheriff said the agreement costs the county nothing.
Sheriff Mike Shea asked the board to approve an intergovernmental cross-deputization agreement to allow county sheriffs and Grand Traverse Band tribal police to operate as deputies on each other’s jurisdictions where appropriate. Shea said the agreement had been vetted by county civil counsel and tribal counsel and solves on-the-ground jurisdictional uncertainty when officers must respond to in-progress assaults or other emergencies on tribal trust land.
"This is long overdue," Shea said, calling the agreement a "no-brainer" that would cost the county nothing and would provide legal authority for first responders. John Petoskey, tribal general counsel, explained that Indian-country jurisdiction can vary by offender, victim and location and that cross-deputization lets officers make arrests and defer jurisdictional resolution to court.
Commissioners discussed implementation and community education; Sheriff Shea and Petoskey said trainings and clear public messaging would accompany the change. Commissioner comments noted precedent in neighboring counties and asked about insurance and indemnity; administration staff said the agreement had been vetted through the county’s risk pool and legal counsel.
The board moved to approve the agreement; a roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from the commissioners present and the chair signed the agreement. The sheriff said the arrangement protects both the public and responding officers and asked the board to support executing the document.
