South Dakota police academy grads newly schooled on Indian Country
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(Greater Dakota News Service) South Dakota's police training program included a new course this year, one specific to tribal communities.
A class of 20 graduated yesterday from the state's law enforcement academy in Pierre, including eight officers from three tribal nations.
© iStock - klenger
Before now, tribal police officers typically traveled to New Mexico to receive both basic training and instruction specific to Native communities. For the first time, the state training this year included a course on criminal justice in Indian Country.
Marty Jackley, Attorney General, said law enforcement in the state has always "enjoyed strong relationships" across jurisdictions.
"The key part of this training, it builds those already existing relationships and makes them stronger. And it keeps our tribal officers closer to home."
In the past, traveling to New Mexico for the 13-week training has been a barrier for tribal officers. The localized class came about through partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and funding approved by Governor Kristi Noem, despite tensions this year between the governor and tribal leaders.
Jackley noted he has included next year's class in his budget for the 2025 legislative session.
"The governor has been very supportive of this class and so the hope is we're able to recreate this and build upon it, one class every year," Jackley asserted.
The training was rolled out this spring following moves by all nine tribes across the state to ban the governor from their lands. The bans were largely in response to inflammatory statements Noem made, including her allegation tribal leaders are "personally benefiting" from area drug cartels.
