Tribal police recognition endorsed by South Dakota lawmakers

By: John Hult

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: January 28, 2026

Words: 639

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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The South Dakota House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported a bill Wednesday to recognize tribal officers as law enforcement officers under state law, but some members balked at a resolution urging a tribal law enforcement training academy before adopting it.

Tribal officers frequently offer mutual aid to state, county and city officers when asked, but are not extended the same legal protections extended to the officers they aid. If a tribal officer is assaulted while providing …

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