Seneca Nation Officials and Law Enforcement Agencies Maintain Dialogue

CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, IRVING, N.Y., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Seneca Nation argues its case against New York State's tobacco tax in Federal and State Supreme courts, it is actively working with federal, state and local law enforcement and safety officials to maintain a peaceful and productive environment, both on the Nation's territories and within the surrounding communities.

Most recently Seneca Nation officials hosted a meeting on Thursday, August 26 with leadership and representatives from the US Attorney's office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Police, the Erie County Sheriff's office, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's office, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's office, the City of Salamanca Police Department, the City of Salamanca Fire Department and the Seneca Nation Marshals. 

The goal of the session, one of several such meetings Seneca leadership has had with area law enforcement and public safety representatives over the past several weeks, was to maintain existing lines of communications and build new connections.  The meeting was held on the Cattaraugus Territory with Seneca Nation President Barry E. Snyder, Sr.

"Everyone's top goal is the public safety of our community and the surrounding communities.  Members of the local communities are our friends and issues that impact the Seneca Nation also impact them," said Snyder.  "There have been many statements made about the potential for violence tied to the tobacco tax situation, even by New York State's governor.  As I have said several times, the Seneca Nation is committed to working through this in an orderly, peaceful process."

Information was exchanged regarding current investigations into events affecting the region, including updates on the federal investigation that is ongoing in connection with the railroad ties that the Amtrak train hit in early July and efforts to eliminate the scourge of drugs affecting all Western New York communities.  Another important part of the discussion was an opportunity for Nation officials to provide state and local law enforcement agencies with some context on the state's more recent tax collection efforts.

"We would like to thank the Seneca Nation for hosting Thursday's meeting.  We look forward to many more meetings at the local level like this in the future where we can come together and collectively discuss these public safety issues and, more importantly, how to resolve them," New York State Police Major Chris Cummings said.

FBI Special Agent in Charge James H. Robertson also said the dialogue between the Nation and various law enforcement agencies is an effective prevention tool.

"Crime infiltrates all communities; it knows no boundaries and certainly affects all of us.  The primary factor in successfully reducing crime and creating safer communities is partnership.  The FBI will continue to work side-by-side with our law enforcement partners and the Seneca Nation, and we invite the public to join in this collaboration," Robertson said.

"We are all committed to ensuring lines of communication are open so that officials from the participating agencies have a means for keeping each other informed in the event of a public safety incident, whether it's a flood, tornado, earthquake, snowstorm or human event. We will all be healthier and safer communities if we are all informed," Snyder said.

SOURCE Seneca Nation of Indians