Crime Lab & Evidence

The Crime Lab/Evidence Section is responsible for the collection, examination, interpretation, and storage of all the physical evidence for the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. The Section consists of one Police Lieutenant, one Police Officer, two Forensic Specialists, one Division (Evidence) Clerk, and two Forensic Chemists.

The Forensic Chemists conduct analysis for blood alcohol, narcotics or unknown substances, and arson cases. The Clerk’s primary role is to concentrate on the entry of new evidence into the computer system and maintaining proper records of the chain of custody. Monitoring proper storage conditions to avoid the deterioration of evidence is another vital function performed by the Clerk, as well as handling the Lost and Found Property Reports.

The Forensic Specialists and Police Officers respond to a variety of calls for service not only in Sioux Falls but within Minnehaha County. They are trained in a variety of necessary skills needed for crime scene investigation and lab work. Because of the increasing amount of evidence, the Specialists must devote more time to evidence/property storage and management. The Police Officer performs most duties of the Forensic Specialists but has additional administrative responsibilities which assist the Police Lieutenant.

A growing community presents opportunities and challenges to meet the increased needs. We’re always looking for new ways to increase efficiency combined with increased capability and expertise. Our AFIX fingerprint system produced an increasing number of hits this past year and as the database grows is producing more hits on suspect fingerprints. Staff members continue to attend training courses to expand their knowledge base, which is supplemented by professional certifications and advanced scientific degrees.

Also growing is the amount of evidence in inventory. In 2008 we increased from 75,000 to 85,000 items of evidence in storage on any given day, but that number has dropped to around 83,000. The decrease was due to the new digital camera system in the patrol cars. The addition of the digital car cameras has stopped the influx of the large numbers of 8mm tapes into evidence storage, but crime evidence has increased.

Responses to crime scenes increased to 278 in 2008, a new record. 6,345 blood alcohol tests were conducted. Also rising was narcotics analysis tests ending the year at 1,491 tests. Lost and found property cases stayed around 513.