<center>http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/9d/c9dc2c84-dc56-5a43-8d8b-6d524c0b5492/57cf5fcce0835.image.jpg?</center>

The state licensing board for private security has opened investigations into whether the security officers who clashed with pipeline protesters Saturday were licensed and if their use of force was appropriate.

Monte Rogneby, counsel for the North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board, said Friday the investigations were started in response to complaints received, including some specifically in reference to the dogs, which allegedly bit protesters.

The incident occurred at a worksite for the Dakota Access Pipeline where workers were bulldozing what the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe said was a sacred site, according to court documents filed the previous day. Protesters entered the site and clashed with private security guards. Three guards were reported injured, and several protesters said they were pepper-sprayed and bitten by dogs handled by the security personnel.

Rogneby said the board has not yet identified the private security personnel and agencies working there at the time. The board is trying to figure out who they were and whether they are authorized to work in North Dakota.

If it turns out the security personnel were not registered, the board can issue a cease-and-desist letter or pursue court action to stop their work. Those companies also could face potential fines.

Rogneby said there are no state standards governing the use of dogs or registration requirements. The board is investigating the incident with guidance from the state's laws on appropriate use of force when protecting people and property.

Pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners LP did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

#### Good to hear, the dogs only escalated things and made the situation much worse. The deserves to get their license revoke and or fined and I hope some of the protesters file lawsuits against them.

http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/private-security-licensing-board-opens-investigation-into-use-of-dogs/article_d6f87664-e397-5b97-b549-23209a8f6209.html