The original Choctaw Lighthorsemen were established shortly after the Treaty of Doak’s Stand to keep the peace and uphold laws in the Choctaw Nation. While Lighthorse officers on the reservation continue to serve this purpose today, their roles have expanded to include investigations, one of Southeastern Oklahoma’s only special tactics team, and Game Wardens.
Lighthorse officers are cross-deputized with federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement on the reservation, working collaboratively to arrest or cite people who violate the law and refer those cases to the correct court systems. The Choctaw Nation has approximately 77 agreements with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Mission Statement
The Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police will uphold the constitutional sovereignty and customs of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma while protecting the rights, lives, and property of all the people we serve. We will enhance public safety while working with communities within the Choctaw Nation to reduce the occurrence and fear of crime. Our mandate is to do so with honor and integrity while at all times conducting ourselves with the highest ethical standards to maintain public confidence.
Patrol
The Lighthorse Patrol Division comprises uniformed officers who patrol the Choctaw Nation reservation. They are responsible for enforcing tribal laws, protecting the peace, preventing and detecting crimes, and protecting the lives and property of everyone who resides on the reservation. They provide immediate citizen assistance and emergency response 24 hours a day.
Tactical Team
The Tactical Team includes officers trained to respond to situations beyond standard law enforcement roles, including high-risk incidents, hostage situations, barricaded subjects, active shooters, and other situations requiring resources beyond the capacity of the patrol division. Officers on this team have special training in tactics, firearms, negotiations, less lethal techniques, and increased overall physical fitness capabilities.
Criminal Investigations Team
The Criminal Investigations Team is responsible for solving crimes on the reservation by collecting evidence from crime scenes and analyzing information and evidence gathered from victims, witnesses, and suspects.
Game Warden
The Game Warden Division enforces hunting and fishing laws to protect the natural resources that make up our beautiful reservation. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tribal members and nonmembers with valid state-issued licenses are eligible to hunt on the reservation. Game Wardens ensure hunting is done safely while protecting the Nation’s natural resources.
Recruitment
Individuals must meet the following qualifications to become a Lighthorse Officer: (can these be drop down?)
Job Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Pass a Written Test
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Use law enforcement communication, law enforcement software, and equipment
- Must qualify yearly with department firearms
- Ability to reason logically and make sound decisions
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently in high stress and conflict situations
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and make logical decisions
- Work outside regular hours and be exposed to the elements
- No prior experience required
Physical Exam
Push-ups: 25 in 1 Minute
Push-ups measure the muscular strength and endurance of the upper body. Push-ups will be of proper form with the body as straight as possible from shoulders to ankles, and elbows must break a 90-degree angle at the down position to be counted. Only the “up” position with the body parallel to the ground will be authorized for rest.
Sit-Ups: 24 in 1 Minute
The sit-up assessment measures the applicant’s use of force and posture and minimizes lower back problems.
Agility Test: 2:20
The candidate’s agility test shall be measured from the CLEET Standard agility test. The test will measure the candidate’s ability to perform job functions to be CLEET certified.
1 Mile Run: 11:30
The (1) one-mile run test measures cardiovascular endurance. The test consists of running/walking as fast and safely as possible within the established time limit.
Written Exam
The Police Officer Selection Test measures basic skills – reading, writing, and arithmetic – that are important for successfully learning and performing an entry-level law enforcement position.