PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota has been selected to help lead one of the nation's most important public safety information networks following the election of South Dakota Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (SDLETS) Director Kelli Erickson as President of NLETS, the International Justice and Public Safety Network.

Erickson was elected by the organization's governing body during its annual business meeting June 23-25 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Her election places a South Dakota leader at the helm of the organization responsible for the secure exchange of criminal justice and public safety information among law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and internationally.

As director of SDLETS, Erickson oversees South Dakota's secure law enforcement telecommunications network, ensuring local, state and federal public safety agencies can quickly and securely exchange the critical information they need every day. Her election recognizes both her leadership and South Dakota's longstanding commitment to excellence in public safety communications.

"I am honored and humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me," Erickson said. "NLETS plays a vital role in public safety by securely connecting law enforcement and public safety agencies across the nation. I look forward to working with our partners to continue building partnerships and strengthening the secure exchange of critical public safety information."

Erickson has served NLETS in numerous leadership roles, including on the Training Committee and Bylaws Committee. She most recently served as Second Vice President and First Vice President, while also serving as an ex officio member of the Technical Operations Committee and the Finance and Management Committee.

"Kelli's election reflects the respect she has earned among her peers nationwide and highlights the expertise South Dakota brings to public safety communications," said Frank Minice, Chief Executive Officer of NLETS. "We look forward to seeing her leadership guide NLETS forward."

NLETS is the International Justice and Public Safety Network, providing the secure infrastructure that enables law enforcement, criminal justice and public safety agencies to exchange information across jurisdictions in all 50 states, U.S. territories and international partners. The network supports everything from driver's license and vehicle registration inquiries to criminal history information and other mission-critical public safety data.

For South Dakota, Erickson's election means the state will help shape the future of the secure information-sharing systems that law enforcement officers and public safety professionals rely on every day.

SDLETS is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

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