Expanded powers sought for tribal police

Associated Press

MICHAEL MELIA, Associated Press

Updated: Feb 23, 2013 12:59 PM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A proposal before the Connecticut legislature could give full arrest powers to the police forces of the state's two major Indian gambling tribes.

Chief state's attorney Kevin Kane says he had opposed such proposals, but he is favor now because the tribes behind Mohegan Sun and the Foxwoods Resort Casino are willing to enter into agreements to adhere to state laws and policies.

The bill was proposed by the administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, which has been working with Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to ease their financial burdens. By winning authority to carry out tasks typically reserved for state troopers, the tribes would reduce the need for state agents whose salaries have to be covered by the tribes.

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