Submitted Photo The MHA Nation and McKenzie County Sheriff's Office signed an agreement April 8 for the agencies to partner to create a multi-agency force aimed at enhancing public safety. Front row, from left to right, are MHA East Segment Councilman Fred Fox, McKenzie County Sheriff Matthew Johansen, MHA Chairman Mark Fox, MHA West Segment Councilwoman Sherry Turner-LoneFight, and Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement Chief CJ Whitman. Back row, from left to right, are McKenzie County Lt. Dustin Newman, McKenzie County Lt. Max Matthews, TAT LE Lt. Jesse Hartman, TAT LE Capt. Cody Smith; and MHA-Division of Drug Enforcement Chief Dawn White.

NEW TOWN — At a signing ceremony at MHA Nation Tribal Headquarters April 8, the Three Affiliated Tribes (TAT) Law Enforcement and the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office announced a partnership to create a multi-agency force aimed at enhancing public safety.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a formal framework and plan for both agencies to work from. Key provisions in the plan include providing mutual aid during emergencies, standardizing protocols between jurisdictions and an overall commitment to respecting the specific policies held by each law enforcement department.

The agreement respects the sovereignty and authority of MHA Nation as well as the authority of McKenzie County. The agreement will not change the jurisdiction of each department but, rather, establish stronger communication systems between the two agencies to optimize operations and safety.

The agreement will remain in effect until April of 2031 but will be reviewed regularly to ensure both agencies are meeting the needs and concerns of their respective communities. Either agency can request to make updates to the agreement through a formal review process.

At the signing ceremony, TAT Law Enforcement Chief CJ Whitman provided an opening address. Additional speakers included MHA Nation Chairman Mark Fox, members of the MHA Tribal Business Council and McKenzie County Sheriff Matthew Johansen.

“MHA Nation is proud to partner with McKenzie County to further the safety, security and wellbeing of our tribal members,” Fox said. “Protecting and providing critical resources and services to our people is a top priority. I am proud to say this partnership will strengthen our communities’ security. When we work together, we save lives.”

“I want to thank the Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement and McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office for their leadership and for taking the initiative to protect our communities. We know, when we come together, we can accomplish more,” he said.