Podcast reveals Native Americans in South Dakota face disproportionately high fatal police encounters.

The Behind the Headlines podcast features Ted McDermott, a reporter who investigated high fatal encounter rates between Native Americans and police in South Dakota. Native Americans die from police encounters at rates significantly higher than whites, with deaths occurring mainly in off-reservation areas like Rapid City. Systemic issues like underfunding of tribal law enforcement and lack of transparency contribute to these outcomes. Experts suggest historical factors, such as elders being sent to boarding schools and addiction, may play a role in these encounters.

November 17, 2024
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