Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Community policing is a political philosophy in which the police and police department are seen as members of the community, with police officers being part of where they live and work. Cities and counties that subscribe to this philosophy tend to do much more community work than traditional police departments. The basic idea is to create bonds of trust and reliance between police and the public.
This new policing paradigm tells police to develop skills in planning, problem solving, organization, interpersonal communications, and perhaps most importantly critical thinking. At the heart of the police transition to community policing is the question: "How do the police identify and deliver high-quality services to the community?" Historically, police services have been reactive and unscientific with attention given to proactive policing.
The efficient delivery of police services requires a systematic process to assess the needs of the public and translate those needs into police services and programs for delivery to the community. This project examines one community; the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate in South Dakota, and analyzes the links between federal, state, tribal, and county political processes, which impact the beginnings of this philosophy.

Publication Type: Work in Progress
Abstract: American Indian gay and bisexual men, specifically those living in North Dakota are a misunderstood and misrepresented group. There are virtually no statistics or subsequent research that have been devoted to this population. By completing this study, we may begin to understand the plight of this stigmatized group. Homosexuality has been a part of traditional American Indian cultures in the past. The researchers will attempt to explore if this has changed in recent times. This will be achieved by interviewing gay and bisexual American Indian males in North Dakota, since so little is known about them.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: This paper focuses on the creation of a new urban, deaf culture community in McCook County, South Dakota. Considerable disagreement exists between both proponents and opponents. Town founders want to take advantage of the location and land availability and local proponents view the community as needed local economic development. However, opponents question the Laurent Company’s motives and fear possible detrimental effects to the county’s agricultural economy.
This paper examines social and cultural representations existing among both proponents and opponents and how difference in these representations can explain emerging conflicts. The research was inclusive of several qualitative research methods, including interviews, field observations, and content analysis.
Preliminary results show that supporters and detractors (1) have different social representations concerning the current and future roles of rural areas in our changing societies, and (2) have different cultural representations of what a Midwest American town should be.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: A detailed case study of the 2004 campaign for the South Dakota at-large congressional district seat.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study reports the initial findings from a survey of local government officials in 127 North Dakota communities. At a time when many local governments are struggling to manage unprecedented levels of development and economic growth, the cities and towns of rural America are facing precisely the opposite problem – decline and depopulation. Fundamental changes in production agriculture techniques and technologies have significantly eroded the job base of many rural communities, forcing residents to relocate and forcing local governments to scramble for new sources of economic development.
Participants were asked about their approach to economic development, their priorities, and the impact of state leadership on their efforts. The findings show that 94 percent of North Dakota cities still rank production agriculture as highly important to their economic base. Nevertheless, some have begun to prioritize other avenues, such as tourism and information technology, that may yet produce substantial economic growth. Others however, continue to invest economic development dollars primarily in community development and infrastructure.