Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
Earlier this week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota hosted its second annual Summer Law Camp in Sioux Falls. The event brought together 36 high school students from various parts of the state for a three-day program focused on the federal justice system.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell commented on the camp's objectives: “The USAO’s Summer Law Camp introduces high school students to various career paths associated with the criminal justice system and the practice of law.” She added, “It is our hope that by offering a window into the work we do each and every day to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe, we can inspire the next generation of leaders to consider careers as attorneys, law enforcement officers, and vital legal support professionals.”
Students traveled from cities and towns across South Dakota, including Sturgis, Pine Ridge, Wounded Knee, White River, Kennebec, Chamberlain, Pierre, Ft. Pierre, Timber Lake, Ipswich, Wetonka, Aberdeen, Sisseton, Castlewood, Watertown, Clear Lake, Brandt, Madison, Dell Rapids, Montrose, Armour, Tyndall, Vermillion, Dakota Dunes, Beresford, Tea, Brandon and Sioux Falls.
During the camp sessions at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other venues in Sioux Falls area , students engaged with professionals from several agencies. These included representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), South Dakota Highway Patrol (SDHP), Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD) and Federal Public Defender’s Office.
On their final day at camp , participants had an opportunity to conduct a mock trial before U.S. District Judge Karen E Schreier .
This marked only second time such an event has been held by district office . Information regarding future programs will be shared with schools throughout state during spring 2026 .
For additional details or inquiries about upcoming camps , interested parties are encouraged contact USASD.SummerLawCamp@usdoj.gov
