Tribe, SD Highway Patrol Cooperate in Pow-Wow

FORT THOMPSON, S.D. (AP) — The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and the South Dakota Highway Patrol will join forces this weekend to enforce laws during the tribe's annual pow-wow.

Seven Highway Patrol troopers will assist tribal police during the pow-wow. Acting on a resolution passed by the tribal council, Crow Creek Chairman Brandon Sazue invited the Highway Patrol to help with law enforcement.

The council's resolution says the state troopers will have authority to enforce tribal law. Tribal and state officials will sign a memorandum of understanding Thursday for the operation.

Sazue says tribal officials asked for the Highway Patrol's assistance to enforce drug laws and protect public safety during the pow-wow, which also marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Fort Thompson.

Highway Patrol Superintendent Craig Price says such cooperation improves public safety.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.