South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today the promotion of two veteran law enforcement officers to newly created leadership positions within the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Supervisory Special Agents Mike Hockett and Dane Rasmussen have been named Special Agents in Charge (SAC) for the Eastern and Western regions of the state, respectively.
“Special Agents Hockett and Rasmussen are distinguished law enforcement officers and experienced leaders within the DCI,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I look forward to working with them in this new leadership role as we continue to strengthen public safety across South Dakota.”
In their new roles, the SACs will oversee DCI field supervisory special agents, lead investigations into major felony and drug-related crimes, and direct officer-involved shooting investigations within their respective regions. Additionally, they will be responsible for managing agent hiring and training, and overseeing officer misconduct investigations in their jurisdictions.
SAC Mike Hockett, who will supervise Eastern South Dakota, brings 21 years of law enforcement experience, beginning his career with the Brookings Police Department before joining DCI in 2009. He has extensive experience handling major crime and drug investigations and has served in a supervisory role within DCI since 2017.
SAC Dane Rasmussen, who will lead operations in Western South Dakota, also brings 21 years of law enforcement experience, having started as a deputy in the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Rasmussen joined DCI in 2008 and has similarly led investigations into major crimes and narcotics. He has served in a DCI supervisory capacity since 2021.
The creation of these SAC positions marks a significant structural step for the DCI, aiming to improve efficiency, regional oversight, and strategic coordination in criminal investigations throughout South Dakota.