SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls Police and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department are jointly defending their policies on the use of force.
Both Police Chief Matt Burns and Sheriff’s Captain Mike Walsh were at the Wednesday police briefing, amidst the nationwide discussion over police reforms.
“I’m pleased to inform you that our policies stand up well in these discussions. They are lawful and they are appropriate,” said Chief Burns. Burns said his department reviewed policies in eight key areas, ranging from chokeholds to de-escalating tensions.
Captain Walsh echoed Burns’ assessment.
“I’m happy to tell you that our policy also stands up well to the eight criteria that he pointed out.”
Chief Burns said he was at a meeting of law enforcement officials with Governor Kristi Noem. Noem called it an in-depth conversation, the first of many to talk about the role of police in South Dakota communities.
