The state capital of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, is a vibrant metropolis with a rapidly expanding economy and population. But beneath the surface of this thriving metropolis is a disturbing fact: several cold cases of missing and murdered people have gone unresolved in Sioux Falls since 1980.

Almost 400 homicide and missing person investigations are still open in South Dakota, with the majority of those occurring in the state's three largest cities (Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre) according to data from the Attorney General's Office. There are multiple decades-old cold cases in Sioux Falls alone.

The passage of time presents a difficulty in solving cold cases. Evidence may have been lost or destroyed, memories may have faded, and witnesses and suspects may have passed away. Especially in a city like Sioux Falls, where residents and visitors both come and go frequently, it can be challenging to locate witnesses and suspects.

The Sioux Falls Police Department will continue to look into these cold cases despite the obstacles they face. The department's Cold Case Unit is comprised of veteran detectives who investigate and reopen cold cases.

Moreover, the department works with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to solve crimes. The division also engages the local populace in its efforts to acquire intelligence and find new leads.

New technological developments have also opened up potential leads in the investigation of cold cases. The Sioux Falls Police Department is investigating the potential of DNA evidence, which has been vital in solving several high-profile cold cases around the country, to do the same in Sioux Falls.

Victims' loved ones in Sioux Falls who are still waiting for answers are not giving up. They keep holding memorials and vigils in the hopes that new information may be discovered about their loved ones.

The help of the community is also essential in solving these crimes. People who may have information about a case are advised to contact authorities, even if they believe their knowledge to be inconsequential.

The Sioux Falls Police Department's Cold Case Unit works to identify those responsible for cold cases and bring those responsible to justice. The agency is nonetheless dedicated to pursuing these cases and giving closure to people who have been traumatized by these tragedies, despite the fact that the path to justice may be lengthy and winding.

In conclusion, the numbers of people who have gone missing or been murdered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota since 1980 show that no place is safe from violence. Some of these cases have been solved, but many more are still open. The community and law enforcement must collaborate to deliver justice to the victims' loved ones and provide them the answers they need.

When investigating cold cases, the Sioux Falls Police Department takes a thorough approach, looking at all of the evidence, re-interviewing witnesses, following up on fresh leads, and employing cutting-edge forensic methods.

An important part of any investigation is going through the case file and all of the evidence that has been collected up to that point, such as witness statements, physical evidence, and forensic evidence. This helps detectives learn more about the situation and spot any holes in their research.

The Cold Case Unit shares information and collaborates on investigations with other law enforcement agencies, including the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Also, the department frequently solicits public participation in solving these cases. To do so, they may announce fresh details about a case to the press, hold public events to attract potential witnesses, and solicit tips from locals.

Technology advancements have also been important in the department's efforts to crack cold cases. Several high-profile crimes have been solved with the help of DNA evidence, and the Sioux Falls police department is looking at how they can implement this technology.

The department's plan also includes updating the victims' loved ones on the investigation's development. This gives them closure and motivates them to keep sharing information that may lead to an arrest or prosecution.

The Sioux Falls Police Department's Cold Case Unit works to identify those responsible for cold cases and bring those responsible to justice. Although researching cold cases and bringing closure to individuals affected by disasters can be challenging and time-consuming, the department is dedicated to doing so.

While looking into cold cases, the Sioux Falls Police Department takes a multi-pronged approach that includes reaching out to the local community and using cutting-edge forensics tools and methods. Department officials are dedicated to helping victims' loved ones find peace of mind and putting those responsible for crimes to account by marshaling these tools and collaborating closely with the neighborhood.

The following are tools that can be used in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to help solve cold cases:

Specifically, the Sioux Falls Police Department has a special section for investigating cold cases. In order to solve mysteries, they employ numerous tools and methods.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation works with local law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes and solve cold cases by providing them with resources, training, and experience.

CrimeStoppers is a nonprofit with the goal of solving crimes by soliciting tips from the public via an anonymous tip line.

The South Dakota Attorney General's Office has published a deck of playing cards based on cold cases of murder and disappearance in the state. Prisoners in state penitentiaries are given the cards in the expectation that they will use them to provide information.

DNA evidence is collected and analyzed at the South Dakota DNA Databank in an effort to solve crimes, even cold cases. Authorities can access the database to aid in their own probes.

NamUs is a national database that tracks cases of missing and unidentified people all around the country. NamUs is a tool for law enforcement to look for leads in cold cases.

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