South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley recognized 45 new law enforcement officers graduating from the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program in Pierre on Friday, March 7.
“This is an important day for the recruits, their families, and their departments,” said Attorney General Jackley. “South Dakota just became even safer today with our newest officers.”
The graduates, representing 24 state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies, successfully completed an intensive 13-week program totaling 520 hours of coursework. This certification is a critical step in becoming fully qualified law enforcement officers in South Dakota.
The training program covered key areas such as legal instruction, arrest control tactics, firearms proficiency, vehicle handling, and criminal investigations. Instruction was provided by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) alongside experienced law enforcement professionals from across the state.
The graduation ceremony, held at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre, begins at 10 a.m., with Attorney General Jackley serving as the keynote speaker.