In South Dakota, which group primarily holds the authority to enforce laws on public roads?

In South Dakota, the authority to enforce laws on public roads primarily lies with commissioned law enforcement officers. These officers have received specialized training and have been granted the legal authority by the state to enforce laws, make arrests, and ensure the safety of the public on roadways. Their training includes understanding traffic laws, protocols for stops, and handling various law enforcement situations which equips them to respond effectively to any incidents that occur on public roads.

Private security companies do not have the same law enforcement authority; their role often revolves around property protection and private matters rather than public safety on roads. Local government officials may have some influence over local ordinances but lack the comprehensive law enforcement powers afforded to commissioned officers. Community watch groups are primarily focused on neighborhood safety and crime prevention and do not have legal authority to enforce state laws or regulations on public roadways. Thus, commissioned law enforcement officers are the designated authority for law enforcement on public roads in South Dakota.