Bill > H5059

This bill officially recognizes the Catawba Nation Police Department as a law enforcement agency within South Carolina, affirming its existing powers and duties, and establishing qualifications for its officers. It clarifies that the department operates under the inherent sovereignty of the Catawba Nation, with jurisdiction primarily over "Catawba lands," which includes lands held in trust by the U.S. for the Nation and lands owned by the Nation. Catawba police officers are required to undergo the same training as state sheriff's deputies and take an oath of office. They possess the powers of municipal and county police officers to make arrests for felonies and misdemeanors, and are responsible for enforcing tribal, state, and federal laws on Catawba lands, as well as assisting other law enforcement agencies. The bill also authorizes Catawba police officers to make arrests outside of Catawba lands if a crime was committed within those lands and the person is fleeing immediately, and allows for mutual aid agreements with other law enforcement entities. It specifies that vehicles used by the department outside Catawba lands must be marked as "Tribal Police" and bear the Nation's seal, and that these officers are entitled to the same immunities and legal protections as state and local officers. The bill explicitly states it does not diminish the authority of other law enforcement agencies or alter jurisdictional provisions.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=5059&session=126&summary=B