A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to establish a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota.

WHEREAS, the state of South Dakota recognizes the critical role played by tribal law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law for all citizens; and

WHEREAS, the state of South Dakota values collaboration between state and federal entities to enhance public safety initiatives and strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement agencies; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota would provide an opportunity to enhance the skills and training of law enforcement personnel serving Native American communities, thereby contributing to the overall safety and well-being of tribal members; and

WHEREAS, South Dakota is home to nine tribal nations, each with its unique heritage and law enforcement needs, making it an ideal location for a tribal law enforcement training academy that can tailor its programs to the specific challenges and nuances of the region; and

WHEREAS, its central location makes South Dakota an ideal location for a tribal law enforcement training academy that serves individuals from across the United States; and

WHEREAS, the state of South Dakota is committed to supporting initiatives that promote professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and excellence in law enforcement to better serve and protect all residents; and

WHEREAS, South Dakota, in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, has begun to offer law enforcement training programs that prioritizes officers serving one of the nine tribal nations located in the state and focuses on the law enforcement needs of these communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the One Hundred First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the Senate concurring therein, that the Legislature urges the United States Department of Homeland Security to establish a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature encourages the United States Department of Homeland Security to collaborate with tribal leaders, state law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the training programs offered at the academy address the unique needs and cultural context of the tribal communities in the region; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature requires, as a condition of the establishment of a tribal law enforcement training academy, that the training academy:

(1) Is not connected to or associated with, either directly or indirectly, the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement;

(2) Not be used as a detention center for individuals held in the custody of the United States Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and

(3) Does not enter into a memorandum of understanding or memorandum of agreement with the United States Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature expresses support for any effort made by the United States Department of Homeland Security to increase the funding appropriated for the purposes of increasing tribal law enforcement across the nation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the South Dakota Congressional delegation, and the leader of each of the nine federally recognized Indian tribes located wholly or partially within the state.