Spirit Lake Tribe Takes New Steps To Fill Police Officer Positions

Officers had to respond to nearly 200 calls in just one week

SPIRIT LAKE, N.D. (KVRR) — Spirit Lake Tribe is taking steps to fill a shortage of police officers on the reservation.

Chairwoman Lonna Street says the tribe has established a Memo of Agreement with Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs.

They control the police force.

It will allow the tribe to recruit officers directly under tribal authority while ensuring they get their credentials at the BIA Police Academy in New Mexico.

They have been advertising two tribal police positions since last April.

Street says the current police force includes just four officers and one chief.

She says the need is urgent as officers had to respond to nearly 200 calls in just one week.

Benson County Sheriff’s Office said it is committed to supporting Spirit Lake to ensure that all communities in the region remain safe and well-served.