Series Profiles OST Public Safety

When Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Chief Everett Little White man honored his Police Officersin a spe cial ceremony at the Lakota Dome in November 2009, he said, “I want all Of ficers here to know that the duties and responsibilities they have are very seri ous, very critical and very much needed. I want all of you to understand that being a Police Officer,being in law en forcement, is a great thing and that you are doing important work. Be proud of what you are doing. Be proud of your selves and your career as a member of the OST Department of Public Safety.”

The Lakota Country Times opens the New Year with a unique series featuring the OST Department of Public Safety, including police, correctional, and sup port staff, who are entrusted with the safety and well being of the 40,000 Oglala Sioux Tribal members spread across 2.7 million acres of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Readers will meet these highly trained DPS employees from every District, through individual personal profiles. The stories will reveal a group of dedicated personnel, many with military service and academic backgrounds, whose woihanble (vision) is to “come together with our oyate to help provide safe and healthy tiospaye.”

The agency’s philosophy is shaped by the professional expectations of a Police Chief that has spent his entire adult life in the law enforcement field, and under stands the importance of advanced training. “We, who work for the Depart ment of Public Safety, believe in certain things that shape both the character of our organization, and the manner in which we conduct ourselves in the per formance of our duties. We believe that criminal activity affects the quality of life, including our communities, fami lies, culture, health, and economy. To detain this type of activity, we must maintain a professional police force and highly trained support personnel. Law enforcement is an important profession that requires individuals who are com mitted to professional growth, and the creation of a peaceful and safe society. We believe that ongoing education and specialized training are needed by our police officers if they are to be effective in serving the people.” So take the journey with us in the weeks to come, as we explore the lives of the men and women who protect, serve, and defend in the communities where we live and work.