A Beacon of safety and trust

AGENCY VILLAGE – On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate (SWO) will break ground on a state-of-the-art Law Enforcement Center. The 28,000-square-foot facility, located adjacent to the 25-Bed Detention Center currently under construction, is designed to inspire safety, trust, and collaboration across tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Designed by EAPC Architects Engineers of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Law Enforcement Center will feature cutting edge technology, secure operational spaces, and community-focused design elements to promote transparency and trust. Its strategic location next to the Detention Center, a 19,000-square-foot facility nearing substantial completion, creates a cohesive justice complex serving the tribal members of the Lake Traverse Reservation which spans across five counties in northeastern South Dakota and two counties in southeastern North Dakota.

Chairman J. Garret Renville shared his enthusiasm: “This project marks a pivotal step in the tribe’s commitment to public safety and will serve as a hub for regional law enforcement efforts, fostering partnerships with state and federal agencies while setting a precedent for tribal communities nationwide.”

Chief of Police Gary Gaikowski, a 32-year veteran of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Police Department, highlighted the project’s significance: “This facility is something our tribe can take immense pride in, not just for our law enforcement department but for all the future employees who will serve here for generations to come.”

Tribal Planning Director Matthew Thompson offered a pointed reflection: “That a tribal community in South Dakota can rally its resources and build a justice center and detention facility faster than the state’s own penitentiary projects is just a bonus. The real victory is restoring our tribe’s belief in its own ingenuity and strength.”

The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public, with tribal leaders, law enforcement officials, and community members invited to celebrate this historic moment. The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate invites all to join in recognizing this transformative step toward a safer, stronger community.

About Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation is a vibrant tribal nation with over 14,000 members, dedicated to fostering safety, unity, and progress for its community. The Law Enforcement Center embodies the SWO’s vision for a secure and unified future.

About EAPC Architects Engineers

EAPC Architects Engineers is a multi-disciplinary design firm with nearly 60 years of experience providing architecture and engineering services. With nearly 200 professionals in offices across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona, EAPC partners with clients in civic, education, healthcare, industrial, and commercial sectors to deliver innovative, people-focused design solutions. EAPC is also home to the Native Nations Studio, dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities through culturally grounded, sovereignty-affirming planning and design.

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