Williston, N.D. (AP) U.S. Senator John Hoeven is due to give an update on his effort to get a permanent FBI office in the heart of the North Dakota oil patch.
Senators Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp have requested the office in Williston to help the area cope with rising crime. Hoeven has also pushed for the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency to dedicate staff to the oil patch. Hoeven plans a news conference Friday. His office wouldn't say in advance what he would announce.
The FBI currently has North Dakota offices in Fargo, Bismarck, Minot and Grand Forks.
Law enforcement agencies in western North Dakota and eastern Montana have asked for federal help in fighting crime that has emerged as a byproduct of the oil boom and rapid population growth.