TEB Passes Curfew, State Of Emergency
A State of Emergency was declared at the Sept. 14 meeting of the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board in Poplar. The board approved a reservation-wide curfew for minors under 18, citing an increase in juvenile crime. According to the resolution, juveniles found violating the curfew may be taken into temporary custody while a parent, guardian or legal custodian is notified and arrangements are made for their release.
The resolution directs law enforcement to enforce the curfew daily from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
A $50 fine is mandatory. Concerns driving the resolution include two recent church fires in Poplar, both off which remain under investigation. The resolution passed by a vote of 11-1. Board member Jestin Dupree voted no, saying he thought the effort was late and potentially inadequate “There should have been meetings with all the officers at the beginning of summer to see what they believe is going on and should be fixed,” Dupree told NPI at press time Sept. 15.
“I don’t fully object. I just believe it’s too late for this action,” Dupree said. “Summer is over and it’s going to get cold soon.”
Dupree pointed to potentially regressive complications and jurisdictional problems. “There is a $50 fine being proposed, but what if a family can’t pay that then what is the penalty. There are a lot of things that aren’t ironed out before taking these steps. [...] I just don’t like how it’s not properly thought out. Those who will be tasked for this weren’t brought up to visit to see how we can make it work.”
Councilman Adrian Spotted Bird introduced the resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Charles Knowlton.
The next full board meeting is set for Sept. 28.
