Tribal police urge recognition under state law to strengthen public safety

Tribal and state officials are calling on South Dakota lawmakers to formally recognize tribal police officers as law enforcement under state law, according to South Dakota Searchlight. Roberts County State’s Attorney Dylan Kirchmeier told the State-Tribal Relations Committee on July 31 in Agency Village that current statutes prevent him from filing felony charges for assaults against tribal officers, despite their regular coordination with city and county law enforcement.

Sisseton-Wahpeton Police Captain Gary Gaikowski said tribal and state officers often arrest the same individuals. Officials also discussed the complexities of mutual aid agreements between state and tribal agencies. Department of Public Safety Secretary Bob Perry and Tribal Relations Secretary Algin Young acknowledged progress but noted lingering mistrust. The committee’s next meeting will take place in mid-September and will be co-hosted by the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes.