In need of answers: A reporter’s investigation into police shootings of Native Americans

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

ANNA REED THE WORLD-HERALD

Painted memorial signs for Jacob Archambault and others are posted alongside Sioux Boulevard in Rosebud, S.D.

McDermott has spent more than 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 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.

Listen to the conversation between Dey and McDermott through the player above and catch up on the complete series below.

Previous installments from this series