Legislators Consider Asking Noem for Tribal Police Academy

Kristi Noem has a chance to bring some federal gravy to South Dakota. The Legislature’s State-Tribal Relations Committee is recommending that the person 18th in the line of Presidential succession build a new tribal police academy in South Dakota:

The panel also will urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to establish a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota.

The U.S. Department of Interior currently operates the federal Indian Police Academy at Artesia, New Mexico.

Several previous attempts by the Legislature and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds haven’t so far produced results from Interior.

Former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is currently the federal Homeland Security secretary [Bob Mercer, “At the Capitol: State-Tribal Panel Proposes Legislation,” KELO-TV, 2025.11.03].

The committee’s proposed resolution—not a bill, mind you, because we can’t build a tribal police academy on our own, but we can politely beg—notes some obvious advantages to building such a training facility here on occupied Lakota land:

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… [State-Tribal Relations Committee, Draft Resolution 214, approved 2025.11.03].

…but then kills its prospects before Secretary Noem by introducing a subtle (and hogwashy) whiff of diversity, equity, and inclusion:

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 [Draft Res. 214, 2025.11.03].

Cultural sensitivity? In South Dakota? Where?!

Secretary Noem has little interest in helping Indians, but maybe the Legislature can take the Ried Holien line on federal funding: who cares what we think about the program itself; think about the jobs and money the project will bring! Big government spending on new facilities at Ellsworth Air Force Base for the incoming B-21 bombers is keeping Rapid City’s economic performance above water; building and operating a new Indian Police Academy would bring some lucky South Dakota community (Pine Ridge? Mission? Timber Lake? Sisseton? Flandreau? Lake Andes?) an influx of jobs and spending and tax dollars as well.

So come on, Kristi! Use your power the way your boss does and dole out some financial favors to your homies! Give South Dakota a tribal police academy!