The Pine Ridge Reservation remains under a state of emergency one year after it was first declared by Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out.
The emergency was issued to address severe law enforcement shortages and called for funding for additional officers, jail space, and stronger enforcement of alcohol and drug laws. Tribal leaders have said the reservation should have around 130 police officers, but staffing remains far below that number.
As of this week, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Patrol Division has about 37 to 38 officers covering nearly two million acres. Tribal officials say that limited staffing continues to make law enforcement difficult, but they are working to be more visible and proactive in communities.
Recruitment efforts are ongoing. Officers recently participated in outreach at the Lakota Nation Invitational, making contact with more than 100 people. About two dozen expressed interest in joining the patrol division.
Tribal leaders say additional funding remains the biggest challenge to increasing staffing and improving public safety on the reservation.
