Tribal, Lake County officials plan for life after Public Law 280

“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 recent meeting at the Lake County Courthouse.

“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 to address questions and concerns about Lake County’s recent decision to pull out of Public Law 280. The agreement between the state, county and tribes has governed felony law enforcement on the Flathead Reservation for nearly six decades.