Investigating Police Shootings of Native Americans in South Dakota

Welcome to Behind the Headlines, a Lee Enterprises podcast, where we feature news journalists discussing a variety of stories. 

In this latest episode, host Faith Dey speaks with Ted McDermott, a reporter for the Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism team.

Ted has spent over a year investigating the high rates of fatal encounters between Native Americans and local law enforcement, particularly on and off tribal lands in South Dakota.

Ted's investigation delves into the alarming statistics that show Native Americans in the region die from police encounters at rates significantly higher than their white counterparts. He discusses the systemic issues, including underfunding of tribal law enforcement and lack of transparency, which contribute to these tragic outcomes.

One poignant story highlighted is that of Weldon Poor Bear, whose son Adam was shot by Rosebud Sioux tribal police, leaving Weldon with unanswered questions about the circumstances of his son's death.

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Behind the Headlines features interviews with reporters and editors from newspapers owned by Lee Enterprises, including its Public Service Journalism team. Lee Enterprises is a leading provider of local news and information, and a major platform for advertising, with daily newspapers, rapidly-growing digital products, marketing services, innovative technology and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 77 markets in 26 states.