Thirteen tribal law enforcement officers are set to be part of the first-ever tribal law enforcement training session in South Dakota.
In the past, the 13-week training for tribal officers required them to travel to New Mexico. By offering the training in state, officers can go home on the weekends.
According to Attorney General Marty Jackley's Office, this first class includes 11 non-tribal state and local officers. Jackley said training these officers together strengthens relationships and increases consistency in training for the state.
Jackley, along with Gov. Kristi Noem, announced the training program in April as part of an effort to support understaffed tribal law enforcement agencies. The Oglala Sioux Tribe declared an emergency late last year due to rising crime, asking for federal assistance.
Tribal officers selected for the training are from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe.
Class starts for the officers on June 3.
