WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (AP) – Tribal police in Oregon have expanded authority under a law signed last month by Gov. John Kitzhaber.

The Oregonian reports (http://bit.ly/rhQmVA ) tribal police can follow suspects off reservation and arrest non-tribal members on reservation.

The legislation was opposed by the Oregon State Sheriff's Association. Polk County Sheriff Bob Wolfe says it makes tribal police the most powerful law enforcement agency in the state. He fears a tribe could abuse its powers and be untouchable because of sovereign immunity.

Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs lawyer Howard Arnett says the law has provisions to protect civil rights.