South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley recently honored 45 new law enforcement officers who have graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program in Pierre. Among the graduates is Austin Van Overbeke, who will be joining the Watertown Police Department. The graduation ceremony, held at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre, marked an important day for the recruits, their families, and their departments.
Van Overbeke successfully completed the 13-week training program, which included 520 hours of instruction covering essential skills such as South Dakota law, arrest control tactics, firearms proficiency, emergency vehicle operations, and criminal investigations. The program, conducted by full-time staff from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) with contributions from adjunct instructors, provides a practical and comprehensive learning experience for aspiring law enforcement officers.
Attorney General Jackley highlighted the importance of these new officers in safeguarding communities across South Dakota. The addition of Officer Van Overbeke to the Watertown Police Department represents a commitment to public safety and strengthens the local police force. The 45 graduates represent various law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Box Elder Police Department, Brookings Police Department, Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office, and South Dakota Highway Patrol, among others.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the hard work and dedication of the new officers and their readiness to serve and protect their communities. With the addition of these officers, South Dakota has become even safer.
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