North Dakota Attorney General's office discusses role in locating missing persons

In a pivotal meeting held by the North Dakota State Legislature on March 13, 2025, discussions centered around the pressing issue of missing persons, particularly among Indigenous communities. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as lawmakers and law enforcement officials gathered to address the challenges and strategies in locating missing North Dakotans.

Agent Steve Harstad from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) provided insights into the role of the Attorney General's office in this critical conversation. He detailed the existing missing persons database, which is updated nightly from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This database serves as a vital tool for law enforcement, although it relies heavily on local agencies to upload and maintain accurate information, including photographs of missing individuals.

The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between state law enforcement and local agencies, particularly on tribal lands. Harstad noted that BCI has been assigned three agents to work directly with local task forces, including one designated for the Standing Rock Reservation. However, jurisdictional challenges remain, as the tribal council must pass a resolution to allow BCI to operate there. In contrast, resolutions are already in place for the MHA Nation, Turtle Mountain Nation, and Spirit Lake Nation, enabling agents to assist in various capacities, including narcotics trafficking and missing persons cases.

The discussion also touched on the need for more resources and manpower to effectively tackle the issue of missing persons. Harstad emphasized the importance of local law enforcement as the first point of contact in these cases, with BCI ready to provide support through advanced tools and expertise, such as drone technology for tracking.

As the meeting progressed, lawmakers expressed the necessity for actionable steps and community involvement. Representative Davis shared her experience of having to personally reach out to spur action, underscoring the need for a more responsive system that empowers citizens and officials alike to address these tragedies effectively.

The meeting concluded with a sense of determination to enhance the mechanisms in place for finding missing individuals, particularly within Indigenous communities. As North Dakota grapples with this ongoing crisis, the collaboration between state and local agencies, along with community engagement, will be crucial in bringing resolution to families affected by these heart-wrenching circumstances.