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South Dakota legal term

Law enforcement officer in South Dakota Criminal Law

Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session

In South Dakota criminal law, “Law enforcement officer” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the South Dakota criminal code.

What does “Law enforcement officer” mean in South Dakota criminal law?

(22) "Law enforcement officer," an individual who is: (a) Responsible for the prevention, detection, or prosecution of crimes, for the enforcement of the criminal or highway traffic laws of the state, or for the supervision of confined persons or those persons on supervised release or probation and is: (i) An officer, prosecutor, agent, or employee of the state or any of its political subdivisions or the United States; or (ii) Security personnel employed by a railroad express company, airline, or airport; or (b) An officer, prosecutor, or employee of an Indian tribe who is assisting or aiding (SDCL § 22-1-2)

Statutes defining or using this term

Charges using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.