South Dakota law will recognize tribal police as law enforcement officers
New definition applies when officers assist local or state agencies statewide
Starting July 1, tribal police assisting state or local authorities will be recognized as law enforcement officers under South Dakota law, after Gov. Larry Rhoden signed House Bill 1007, according to South Dakota Searchlight.
Currently, the state’s legal definition of law enforcement does not include tribal officers, who often assist at crime and crash scenes but lack jurisdiction outside tribal borders. Under the new law, tribal officers will receive the same legal protections granted to state-recognized law enforcement, including assault laws that classify simple assault against an officer as a felony, according to South Dakota Searchlight. The law extends those protections to tribal officers when they support public safety operations anywhere in the state.
Rhoden signed the bill Monday along with other public safety and public welfare legislation.
- 1.John Hult. South Dakota Searchlight, .
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