SEPTEMBER 21, 2024:
South Dakota Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Melissa Magstadt celebrates National Forensic Science Week (Sept. 15-21, 2024) by recognizing the state public health laboratory.
“The South Dakota Public Health Laboratory provides critical services for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies throughout South Dakota,” said Secretary Melissa Magstadt. “Our forensic chemists performed over 18,000 tests last year and achieved national accreditation. I couldn’t be prouder of my laboratory team.”
The state public health laboratory performs blood and urine toxicology, blood alcohol analysis, seized drug testing, and cannabis testing. Forensic Chemists at the state public health laboratory are recognized as leading subject matter experts in toxicology and drug science. They routinely provide expert testimony in courtrooms across the state and support annual controlled substance legislation.
“One of the most critical services our Forensic Chemists provide is surveillance for illicit substances entering South Dakota,” said Secretary Magstadt.
The state public health laboratory has identified fentanyl analogues, the veterinary sedative xylazine, and chemically-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8-THC.
To support growing toxicology and drug services at the state public health laboratory, the new Department of Health Workforce Development and Education Center will include state-of-the-art laboratory space to expand toxicology and drug testing services.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2024:
It’s National Forensic Science Week (Sept. 15-21, 2024).
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says state and federal law enforcement authorities within South Dakota, as well as in other states, rely on South Dakota’s Forensic Lab to do their testing. He says the Lab deals with three main investigative services– Biology, Firearms and Fingerprints.
Jackley says the Lab started DNA testing back in 2002. He says recently, the Lab was able to identify a DNA sample that was collected from an attempted rape that occurred in South Dakota in 2022. That case has now been reopened.
The South Dakota’s Forensic Lab examines more than 15,000 items each year. The nationally accredited Lab is located in the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre.
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