Emergency on Pine Ridge: Tribe’s Plea for Justice Amidst Crime Crisis Ignored by Feds?

At a pivotal moment, the Oglala Sioux Tribe faces a rising tide of criminal activity on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Stark realities come to light: only 33 officers and eight investigators are available to answer over 100,000 emergency calls yearly, spread across an expansive 5,400 square-mile territory. And what of the federal government’s role? Disappointingly, their assistance is mired in funding disputes and postponements, even as a judge has recognized the obligation to reinforce tribal law enforcement.

This situation is not a fleeting headline but a critical issue requiring immediate attention. The reservation’s battles with severe violence, drug-related crimes, and a high incidence of assaults must be brought to the forefront. These are the urgent challenges that Indigenous communities face throughout our country.

Envision a reality where law enforcement can respond promptly and effectively, where officers are not outnumbered and outmatched, and where the calls for aid are met with action, not silence. This is the vision NASP is working towards—a future where our people’s protection and rights are assured and guaranteed.

Check out the article here. Grasp the complex circumstances of the Pine Ridge Reservation and its broader consequences for Indigenous people everywhere. Please stand with us in the fight for fairness, proper funding, and decisive measures. Unite with us to push forward the urgently required transformation.