Deputies set to patrol reservation

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is expected to sign a contract with the county Sheriff’s Department today to patrol the reservation and crack down on crime.

“We have a growing and evolving relationship with the Sheriff’s Department, and we want to extend it another year,” said Jacob Coin, tribal spokesman. “Safety and security on the reservation is our highest priority.”

This will be the third such contract between the tribe and local authorities. Sheriff Gary Penrod and Dist. Atty. Michael Ramos will take part in a public signing ceremony today on the reservation near Highland.

The relationship between the tribe and law enforcement stands in stark contrast to the tension surrounding the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians. Deputies shot three Soboba members to death in gunfights in May. The two sides recently signed an agreement to foster better cooperation.

The wealthy San Manuel tribe, which operates a casino and other businesses, has seen its share of crime. Over the years, the Drug Enforcement Administration has raided homes and Mexican Mafia members have been active on the reservation. But tribal chairman James Ramos has made security his primary mission and urged deputies to maintain a high profile on the reservation.

The agreement will keep at least one deputy patrolling the 800-acre reservation 24 hours a day.