"There are many times when there's only one police car working the entire county outside of the city. My concern is someone's going to dial 9-1-1 and no one's going to be available to respond," said Manistee City Police Chief Dave Bachman.

Because of budget cuts Manistee County is having to make do with fewer patrols. The chief of police has asked city council members to support a mutual aid agreement between the city and the Little River Band Tribal Police.

"They're out there now and if someone's house is being broken into at three in the morning and my guys are tied up at some point and there's no one else available... we would say, go ahead and send the tribe," Bachman said.

But the idea isn't coming without plenty of controversy.

" I believe working with them is the best answer, however it might not be politically correct with some citizens," Bachman said.

"When we were putting together a strategic plan... made a mention that we wanted to work with the tribal units of government...this is our opportunity. If there's prejudice out there sooner or later it has to stop," said council member Richard Mack.

Some of the issues pointed out by council members have to do with staffing and whether it should be up to the city to decide.

"One of the concerns that they had...they did not want to see our city police be pushed out of the way and have another police force patrolling our streets," said council member Colleen Kenny.

" I think that issue should be directed to the county commission as opposed to a city of 6700," said council member Alan Marshall.

In the end the city council voted in favor of the mutual aid agreement. 

"I think you made the right decision and tonight you made us proud," said a community member.

" I don't care if he's black, white, purple, or green, if he's got a uniform on I know he's well trained and can handle the situation," said a community member.

The police chief says the tribal police department is offering to work for the city free of charge. The city already employs six part--time tribal officers paid for by the tribe. The agreement is for one year and is only between the city and tribal police.