FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :    Thursday, June 21, 2012   
CONTACT:    Sara Rabern,  (605) 773-3215 

 
Division of Criminal Investigation to Celebrate 75th Anniversary with Community Open House

PIERRE, S.D.  – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the Division of Criminal Investigation is celebrating 75th years of law enforcement service for the State of South Dakota. A community open house is planned for Thursday, June 28th from 1-4 p.m. at the George S. Criminal Justice Center, 1302 E. Hwy 14, Pierre, South Dakota.  The celebration will include walking tours from 1-3 p.m., where visitors can view the law enforcement training center.  Refreshment will be served and the public is encouraged to attend.

“The Division of Criminal Investigation has seen extraordinary changes in 75 years of service, but one thing that has not changed is continual focus on making South Dakota communities safer,” said Jackley. “Public service often does not get the recognition that it deserves, but we hope that in celebrating 75 years of dedicated work will bring some thanks to those who have been part of this great agency.”

The Division of Identification (now known as the Division of Criminal Investigation) was placed under the authority of the Attorney General’s Office in 1937.

Currently, this comprehensive statewide law enforcement agency is made up of the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), State Forensic Laboratory (SDFL), and Law Enforcement/911 Training (LET).  The DCI oversees an operation of about 120 employees. Forty-seven Special Agents located in 15 field offices and 4 regions throughout the state assist local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the investigation of major crimes. “The DCI credits the successful history of our agency on the many professional and dedicated individuals that built our agency’s reputation.  Today, we continue to build on that legacy and provide an even broader span of criminal justice services that serve our citizens well,” said Bryan Gortmaker Director Division of Criminal Investigation.

If you have any additional questions contact Sara Rabern at (605)773-3215.

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