SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Attorney General Marty Jackley told legislators today that they can expect to add a fourth law enforcement training class to address a shortage of officers.
Jackley says he's not asking for the extra class today but he told the Joint Appropriations Committee that he will probably request the additional class before he leaves office in 2019.
He says there are three Division of Criminal Investigation academy courses each year and they're full. He says sheriffs, chiefs, Highway Patrol and Tribal Chairs are having to wait.
Jackley says his office is working with the state's technical schools to help lighten the officer training load. He says Lake Area Technical School recently began offering the course work to its curriculum.
He says the reality is that the state needs more law enforcement officers. He says there are about 1,800 certified officers. Jackley says the fourth course will need to be added "just not today."