Barthel Named to Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission 

PIERRE, S.D. - Attorney General Larry Long today announced the appointment of Doug Barthel, Sioux Falls Chief of Police to the Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission. He has been appointed to a two year term effective April 2006. Barthel replaces retiring Mitchell Chief of Police Doug Feltman on the commission.

"Doug Barthel brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience to the commission," said Long. "His years of experience in police work and management made him the easy choice." 

The commission sets the standard for conduct and training of law enforcement officers and oversees the law enforcement academy curriculum. The commission is also charged with the task of revoking or suspending certifications in the event an officer, telecommunicator, police canine handler, computer voice stress analyzer, or polygraph operator fails to maintain the professional standards set out by the state. 

The South Dakota Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commission is a 10 person commission. Seven of the commissioners are appointed by the Attorney General. They represent the South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Sheriff’s Offices, Police Departments, the State Bar Association, institutes of higher education, the Municipal League, and County Commissioners. The other three commissioners are the Chief Agent from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, a regional Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent, and the Attorney General.

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