South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has revealed that 13 tribal law enforcement officers, along with an additional 11 local and state officers, are set to participate in the state’s inaugural tribal law enforcement training session starting on June 3 in Pierre.
Governor Kristi Noem and Attorney General Jackley announced in April the introduction of the first basic certification course to be conducted in South Dakota. Previously, only a few tribal officers received training in the state, with the majority trained in New Mexico, necessitating extended time away from their families. The 13-week course, taking place at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center, allows tribal officers to return home on weekends.
“We thank Gov. Noem for her support of this training session, and our tribes for trusting us with their officers,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Training tribal officers alongside state and local officers serving near our reservations strengthens relationships, increases consistency, and makes sense for South Dakota.”
The training will include tribal officers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe. The remainder of the 24-member class will be comprised of officers from various non-tribal law enforcement agencies.
Participants are mandated to complete coursework covering a range of topics, including law, arrest control tactics, firearms, vehicle handling, and criminal investigations. The program is instructed by full-time staff from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and adjunct instructors from law enforcement agencies statewide.
“We also want to thank U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell and the BIA for providing instructors to help with the Special Law Enforcement Commission component of the training course,” said Attorney General Jackley.
Graduation for this class is scheduled for Sept 3 in Pierre.
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