HOULTON – During a tour of the tribe’s reservation Monday morning, Gov. John Baldacci visited with a group of day care pupils and performed a ceremonial signing of a bill that will enhance law enforcement for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.

Baldacci joined with members of the Tribal Council to sign LD 693, titled “An Act to Increase Public Safety through the Enhancement of Law Enforcement for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.”

The edict, which actually was signed into law by the governor in June, allows the Maliseets to appoint tribal law enforcement officers who have the authority to enforce all the laws of the state within the Houlton Band Trust Land.

The band hired a police chief in 2003 after receiving two U.S. Department of Justice grant awards.

Tribal Chief Brenda Commander said Monday the tribe had also received a Justice Department grant to fund the two police positions.

John DeVeau was police chief for two years before accepting a position with the Caribou Police Department. Commander said Monday that David Socoby, a retired Maine State Police detective, will fill in as acting police chief and would guide and supervise the two officers.

Socoby is also the tribal administrator.

“The tribe’s Police Department will work cooperatively with the local, county and state police departments,” Commander noted.

She added that she felt that the legislation “shows respect for the tribe’s history and status as a sovereign government.”

Baldacci lauded the tribe for their efforts in getting the bill sponsored by state Sen. Dean Clukey, R-Houlton, passed.

He added that he was equally impressed with what he saw during his tour of the reservation. Midway through his journey, he stopped in at the Maliseet day care center and spent a few moments talking to the children.

“I have been so impressed being here and seeing the development that has taken forth on the grounds,” he told tribal leaders before departing. “It’s just incredible.”