South Dakota Celebrates 200th Law Enforcement Certification Class

Graduation ceremony to honor 39 recruits from 29 agencies across the state

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Friday's graduation of the current Basic Law Enforcement Certification class will celebrate the 200th class to complete the program since it began in 1960. The 39 recruits, representing 29 different law enforcement agencies, are graduating after 13 weeks and 520 hours of coursework covering areas like law, arrest control tactics, firearms, vehicle handling, and criminal investigations.

Why it matters

The law enforcement certification program has produced outstanding officers who have served communities across South Dakota for over 60 years. This milestone graduation highlights the state's commitment to training and developing highly qualified law enforcement personnel to protect public safety.

The details

The graduation ceremony will feature remarks from Attorney General Jackley, Governor Larry Rhoden, U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson. The recruits completed instruction taught by staff from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and adjunct instructors from agencies across the state.

  • The graduation ceremony will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 10 a.m. CST.
  • The 200th Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course began in 1960.

The players

Marty Jackley

South Dakota Attorney General.

Larry Rhoden

Governor of South Dakota.

John Thune

U.S. Senator for South Dakota.

Mike Rounds

U.S. Senator for South Dakota.

Dusty Johnson

U.S. Representative for South Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“This course has produced outstanding law enforcement officers who have served our communities and state since 1960. This graduation ceremony will honor what this program has meant for law enforcement in South Dakota.”

— Marty Jackley, South Dakota Attorney General (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

The takeaway

The 200th graduation of the Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course in South Dakota is a testament to the state's longstanding commitment to training and developing highly skilled law enforcement personnel to protect public safety across its communities.