Special Agents of the DCI have statewide jurisdiction and are stationed in 12 field offices across South Dakota. Agents primarily investigate major felony crimes, but can also be tasked with a wide variety of other responsibilities. Investigation of such things as homicide, assault, rape, theft, fraud, officer involved shootings, and complex drug conspiracies occur on a regular basis. Agents work in conjunction with local, state, tribal and federal agencies. Investigations are conducted independently, or in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies. DCI agents gather evidence to ensure the apprehension and conviction of criminal violators.

Investigative activity involves processing crime scenes, interviewing witnesses and suspects, working undercover, preparing search warrant affidavits, execution of search warrants, serving arrest warrants, coordinating with criminal prosecutors, working with victims of crimes, and testifying in court.

Agents will often specialize in the investigation of one, or more, types of crimes. Through their training and experience many agents are court recognized as expert witnesses in their particular areas of expertise. Some of the areas of investigative expertise are:

• Homicide

• Drugs/Undercover

• Polygraph

• Child Abuse

• Explosives

• Arson

• Thermal Imaging

• White Collar Crime

• Computer Crime

• Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

Many agents use their field experience and serve as trainers to other law enforcement agencies. Agents often instruct officers attending the South Dakota law enforcement academy, and officers attending advanced training programs.