The President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice held a three-day hearing on rural and tribal justice via teleconference, highlighting the urgent need for resources in rural counties across the country.
On Tuesday, May 19, the commission received testimony from Ronald Parsons, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota; Andover (Kansas) Police Chief Michael Keller; Apex (North Carolina) Police Chief John Letteney, and; Ziebach County (South Dakota) State Attorney Cheryl Laurenz-Bogue.
Testimony and discussions focused on challenges law enforcement face in rural areas, including a lack of recruits, funding, technology, and training. The panelists also spoke of the significant impact of substance abuse, specifically methamphetamine, on communities and the increase in crime it has led to.
On Wednesday, May 20, the commission heard testimony from Cochise County (Ariz.) Sheriff Mark Dannels; Bryan Schroeder, U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska; Laramie County (Wyoming) Sheriff Danny Glick, and; Carleton County (Minn.) Sheriff Kelly Lake.
Testimony and discussion focused on geographic issues for rural communities, including the hardship long distance and challenging terrain presents to rural law enforcement. The panelists spoke of the need for proper equipment and vehicles for some of the more challenging landscapes – especially in Alaska where there are often few roads.
On Thursday, May 21, the commission heard testimony from Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma; Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal (New York) Police Chief Matthew Rourke; Redding Rancheria Tribal Court Chief Judge Richard Blake, and; Sycuan Tribe (Calif.) Police Chief Bill Denke.
The panelists testified to the need for more law enforcement partnerships, more law enforcement officers on the ground, and, if the officers or agents are non-tribal, the need for law enforcement to have an awareness and appreciation for tribal culture.
The commission will conclude its hearing on rural and tribal justice next week.
For more information on the Commission, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/presidential-commission-law-enforcement-and-administration-justice.
Audio recordings and transcripts of the hearings will be posted online once available.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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