PIERRE, S.D.- Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today the appointment of Jo Vitek of Watertown to the Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission. She has been appointed to a two-year term effective August 2016. Vitek replaces Jeff Holcomb of Sioux Falls on the commission.

“Jo Vitek has over 35 years of law enforcement service including her last 8 years as the Chief of Police in Watertown. Jo’s leadership created the officer training program at Lake Area Technical Institute and with it the opportunity for so many men and women to become officers who will protect our communities,” said Jackley. “I would also like to extend my appreciation to Jeff Holcomb for his years of service to law enforcement and the people of South Dakota.”

“I’ve been a law enforcement officer for almost all of my adult life and having the opportunity to serve on the commission allows me to continue that service,” stated Vitek.

The South Dakota Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commission is an 11 person commission. Eight of the commissioners are appointed by the Attorney General. They represent the South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Sheriff’s Offices, Police Departments, the State Bar Association, institutes of higher education, the Municipal League, County Commissioners and an enrolled tribal member who is a certified law enforcement officer. The other three commissioners are the Chief Agent from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, a regional Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent, and the Attorney General. The Commission sets the training standards and certification process for the South Dakota law enforcement community.

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