KOTA Territory NewsHerseth Sandlin discusses tribal law enforcement issues

Herseth Sandlin discusses tribal law enforcement issues

Wednesday, Rep. Herseth Sandlin met with U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk and other officials to discuss tribal law enforcement issues, according to a news release from congressional staff.

During Thursday's meeting, Rep. Herseth Sandlin and Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk discussed the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2009. Reintroduced by Rep. Herseth Sandlin in this Congress, the legislation aims to improve coordination between tribal, state and federal law enforcement agencies and increase accountability standards. 

Rep. Herseth Sandlin said, "Drafted with significant input from tribes across the country, this legislation would be a positive step in the right direction in improving public safety in Indian Country."

Rep. Herseth Sandlin also raised the issue of funding and increases in officer levels. A 2006 report demonstrated only 36 percent of Indian Affairs and tribal law enforcement agencies were staffed at the recommended national staffing ratio.  Presently, nearly 60 percent of departments are staffed at the 2.6 officers per 100,000-inhabitants level. However, more officers than the suggested national average are needed to patrol the large size of land-based reservations in South Dakota. Issues related to improving inter-agency cooperation to fight crime in Indian Country and the status of tribal correctional facilities were also discussed during today's meeting.

"This administration has demonstrated a renewed commitment to improving public safety on reservations in South Dakota and across the country," Rep. Herseth Sandlin said. "I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Echo Hawk to better lives and strengthen communities throughout Indian Country."