Governor Noem, Attorney Jackley offer in-state tribal law enforcement training program

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Getting more law enforcement onto the reservations is a critical part of addressing crime rates. However, not having a nearby training center has been an ongoing obstacle. Now a solution may be in the works. A first-of-a-kind training that would allow tribal law enforcement officers to train close to home.

Early Thursday, Governor Kristi Noem and Attorney General Marty Jackley offered to help train tribal law enforcement officers on South Dakota’s nine Native American reservations. This, as opposed to traveling to New Mexico for 13 weeks which takes recruits away from their families.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says the length of the training can be an issue. He noted the temporary loss of the already limited law enforcement members on the reservations. However, he is confident the benefits will outweigh the cost.

“For a temporary period of time while those tribal officers are training it will take them out of service. It’s about a thirteen-week basic course, so there will be some added challenges. But overall, after that thirteen-week time frame, we should have an influx of more officers which will better protect the public inside of the reservation and outside of the reservation,” Jackley said.

Jackley also noted this program is meant to be a partnership between the tribes, and is hoping officers sign up by the application deadline of May 1st.

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