Conrad Looks to Bolster Support for Law Enforcement in Oil Patch

Press Release

Senator Kent Conrad met today with leaders from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to discuss their needs in wake of increased service calls associated with an explosion in the area's population as a result of the oil boom.

"Western North Dakota is in the midst of a great boom. The oil play has brought tremendous opportunity, but it has posed serious challenges as well," Senator Conrad said. "With the increased population, public services are being stretched to their limits, especially in the area of law enforcement. We need to ensure that services are available to keep our communities safe and can meet the growing demand."

Populations in oil patch communities like Williston and Stanley have by some estimates more than doubled since 2000. Along with the population increase, came an increase in the need for law enforcement services. For example, reports show Williston police had 6,089 total calls in 2009. Than number jumped to 16,495 calls in 2010, a 271% increase. Stanley roughly tripled its incident reports from 2009 to 2010. The trends continue upward.

Law enforcement officers told the Senator today of the growing pains associated with oil development in the area. The officials said at times they are unable to keep up with service calls, have to prioritize responses, and are rarely able to engage in proactive efforts.

Increased truck traffic in the oil patch has also posed a challenge to local law enforcement. According to the Williston Police Department, the number of traffic accidents it investigated jumped 30 percent in 2010.

The officials also told Senator Conrad of the challenges to recruit new officers. Once potential officers are found, they face the difficulty of finding housing in the oil patch.

Kerry Krikava , head of McKenzie County Ambulance Service, was also in attendance at the meeting and shared concerns with Senator Conrad noting how emergency services have been stretched thin by an increase in calls. In Watford City, EMS saw its volume of activity double over the past year.

Senator Conrad, a member of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, noted that to date, more than $54 million in federal grants have been awarded to law enforcement agencies in North Dakota through the COPS program and that he would continue to push for funding for the programs and other forms of assistance.

Senator Conrad was joined by federal officers including Tim Purdon, U.S. Attorney, Paul Ward, U.S. Marshal and Jennifer Keenan, F.B.I. Special Agent, Minneapolis Division. North Dakota law enforcement leaders included: Ron Rankin, McKenzie County Sheriff; Slade Herfindahl, Chief of Police, Watford City; and Jim Lokken, Chief of Police, Williston.

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