South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation

10/02/2026

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley: I have released the 2026 Police Management Survey compiled by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation's Statistical Analysis Center. This survey allows departments to share ideas on how to address many of the same issues they all face. https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3165 .tab=0

09/30/2026

The DCI retiree shoot was held today in Rapid City. Our West River agents welcomed retired agents to shooting qualifications and time shooting competitions. Pictured shooting are ret. Special Agents Jeff Goble and John Walker.

09/25/2026

Before scientists can test a single piece of evidence, it first has to pass through Evidence & Intake! 🏷️

Every item that enters the lab must be carefully received, logged, tracked, and accounted for to protect the chain of custody and ensure the right evidence gets to the right scientists for testing. With over 14,500 pieces of evidence coming through the doors, Scott and Joey are often the first to securely handle it when it arrives at the lab. 📦🔎

When a case involves a large amount of evidence—or multiple types of testing, Case Manager Lynsey steps in to help prioritize the work, coordinate with investigators, and gather important case details that help our scientists determine the best way to approach the evidence. 🫆🔬

For 54 years, Charlene has been a familiar face greeting visitors, answering questions, and keeping things running behind the scenes. Charlene is in charge of entering the DNA offender cards for the DNA database and has entered almost 99,000 samples throughout her career! And today is extra special because it’s her birthday! Happy Birthday Charlene 🎂🎉!

Leading the SDFL team is Director Kristina Fryer, who started her career as a forensic scientist before becoming Director in 2023. She also serves as the state’s CODIS Administrator, all the while guiding a team dedicated to quality forensic services, accurate reporting, and timely results. 🧬

Different roles🔬🧪. One team👩‍🔬👨‍🔬. One mission🕵️. From scientists and case managers to intake and administrative staff, every person plays an important role in making the South Dakota Forensic Laboratory what it is today. It takes every member of the SDFL team to keep the science—and the evidence—moving! We appreciate and thank you for everything you do!

09/24/2026

Every print tells a story…if you know where to look! 🔎

Our fingerprint examiners locate, develop, preserve, examine and compare friction ridge impressions—better known as fingerprints, palm prints and even footprints.

Whenever someone touches, grabs or walks barefoot across a surface, they can leave behind an impression. These unintentional impressions are called latent prints.

So, what does the Latent Print Section do?
🔎 Process evidence for latent prints
📸 Photograph developed prints
🧪 Use powders, chemicals, alternate light sources and specialized technology to reveal prints
🖐️ Compare prints to those of suspects and victims
💻 Search latent prints through databases like AFIS and the FBI’s NGI
🔍 Compare known fingerprint records in repeat-offender habitual cases

And the technology behind the scenes is pretty impressive! The SDFL uses tools and techniques including cyanoacrylate fuming chambers, Recover Latent Fingerprint Technology, ALS (alternative light source), and RUVIS (Reflective Ultra-Violet Imaging System) to help reveal what the naked eye may miss.

Meet Kristin and Cassandra, our two fingerprint examiners! With 22 years of shared experience, they compare thousands of prints and complete around 200 cases every year.

Because sometimes, the smallest clue can leave the biggest impression. 🫆

09/23/2026

Ever wonder how forensic scientists can connect a fired bullet or cartridge case to a particular fi***rm? That’s where the Fi****ms/Toolmark Section comes in!

Fi****ms identification involves examining bullets, cartridge cases and other am******on components for toolmarks left behind by a fi***rm. Toolmarks are made when a harder material meets a softer material. Toolmarks consist of unique impressions and striations that examiners carefully study and compare. 🔬

Fi***rm/toolmark examiners:
🔬 Test fi***rms to ensure they function properly
🧪 Examine clothing for gunshot residue and shot patterns
🔍 Determine am******on caliber and manufacturers
🛠️ Compare tools to marks left behind on objects
🔢 Restore altered or obliterated serial numbers
🚔 Assist with crime scenes and shooting reconstructions
⚖️ Present their findings in court when needed

The SDFL has 3 Fi***rm examiners. Brandy is currently at the Ron Smith & Associates Fi***rm Examiner Academy in Meridian, Mississippi, Katarina just graduated from the National Fi***rm Examiner Academy (CONGRATULATIONS KATARINA!!), and the SDFL Fi***rm veteran, Frans, who has worked countless cases. He is one of a handful of examiners that have held full certification within the Association of Fi****ms and Toolmark Examiners (ATFE) since 2008 in Fi****ms Examination and Identification, Toolmark Examination and Identification, and Gunshot Residue Examination and Identification.
And yes…they really do get excited about cartridge cases. It’s a shell of a good time. 🥁😂

Stay tuned as we continue our behind-the-scenes look at the South Dakota Forensic Laboratory !

09/22/2026

🧬 DID YOU KNOW? 🔎
Not all investigators wear a badge. Some wear lab coats! 👩‍🔬🧪
Behind the scenes at the South Dakota State Forensic Laboratory, our Biology/DNA scientists are hard at work examining evidence for biological materials such as blood, saliva, semen, and more.

DNA profiles developed from evidence can be compared with known samples from victims, suspects, or other individuals. Profiles may also be entered into state and national DNA databases, where they can be compared with other profiles to help generate investigative leads.

The SDFL has 11 forensic scientists in the Biology/DNA section, with a combined experience of 90 years! Behind every case are these dedicated scientists working each day to analyze the evidence and conduct detailed case examination to help turn evidence into answers.

09/21/2026

On Saturday, we came together to honor and remember our dear friend and colleague, Special Agent Quincy Kjerstad.

It was a heartfelt tribute to a person who meant so much to so many. Quincy’s dedication, friendship, and impact will not be forgotten.

A special thank you to Henry Roy Ulrich III for capturing the meaningful moments of the day.

enforcement agencies from across the ...

09/21/2026

To kick off National Forensic Science Week, we ask this one question: What is Will Smith’s favorite type of forensic evidence? Fresh Prints🫆
The South Dakota Forensic Lab (SDFL) provides scientific services to all law enforcement agencies in the state, including federal and tribal agencies, at no cost. With twenty full time employees disciplined in four different areas; DNA/Serology, Fingerprint, Fi****ms/Toolmark and Evidence Intake, the SDFL received over 14,500 items of evidence and completed 3,425 cases in 2025. SDFL also manages the South Dakota Offender DNA database and to date, there are approximately 99,038 offender DNA profiles in South Dakota’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
All this week, we will be taking a closer look at the SDFL. Follow along as we shine a light on the people, science, and work that help keep the SDFL running behind the scenes🔬🧪🧬

09/18/2026

The SD DCI Agents Association hosted a J.R.’s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit lunch for SA Kjerstad’s family and friends. It was a special opportunity to come together, share memories, and support one another.
A sincere thank you to the Rapid City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2 for allowing the use of your facility.

09/16/2026

We’ve had several people reach out asking how they can help Agent Kjerstad’s family during this difficult time. Physical donations can be sent or delivered to Oahe Federal Credit Union, 221 E Pleasant Dr, Pierre, SD 57501 designated under Quincy Kjerstad Family , or through the DCI Agent’s Association non-profit Venmo account. One hundred percent of the donations received will be given directly to Agent Kjerstad’s family.