The history of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is a narrative of continuous adaptation, growth, and specialization, charting the state’s commitment to sophisticated law enforcement.
The DCI's genesis is rooted in the legislative efforts to combat drug abuse. In 1971, the Wyoming Legislature passed the Controlled Substance Act, which first authorized the Attorney General to appoint Special Agents specifically to enforce this new law.
The DCI was officially created in 1973 by the 42nd Wyoming Legislature (Chapter 246 of the Session Laws), establishing an agency under the Office of the Attorney General. The investigative staff, records, and funds previously belonging to the Attorney General were formally transferred to the new DCI on July 1, 1973. A small initial group of investigators were tasked with the statewide enforcement of the Controlled Substance Act.
The DCI's founding legislation mandated a high standard for leadership. The Attorney General, with the approval of the Governor, appoints a Director who must be a professional law enforcement officer experienced in modern methods of crime detection. The Director, in turn, is responsible for appointing professional law enforcement agents of "honesty, integrity and outstanding ability."
The Division's core statutory duties remain the cornerstone of its work today: assisting state, county, and local law enforcement in the investigation and detection of crime; assisting county or district attorneys in case preparation and prosecution; investigating criminal activity when directed by the Governor; enforcing the Controlled Substances Act; and addressing organized crime that crosses jurisdictional boundaries.
A crucial capability was established in 1974 with the founding of the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory (WSCL). Initially staffed by a single forensic scientist with basic tools, the laboratory quickly evolved to employ sophisticated equipment and additional scientists, becoming a trusted source of scientific expertise and support for law enforcement agencies across the state.
A significant organizational milestone occurred in 1986 when the Division of Criminal Identification merged with DCI. This union streamlined services by consolidating investigations, identification services (including fingerprint analysis), and forensic lab services under one roof. This transformation led to the establishment of the three key sections that still define DCI today: Operations, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), and the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory.
Following this reorganization, DCI refined its enforcement strategy. In 1988, the agency shifted from targeted, mission-based efforts by the Wyoming Crime Attack Team (WyCAT) to establishing regional drug enforcement teams. Comprised of special agents and task force officers from municipal police departments and Sheriff’s offices, this collaborative model proved highly effective and continues to be Wyoming's successful drug enforcement policy.
DCI’s duties also briefly included Capitol security. In August 1989, Capitol Security responsibilities were moved from the Department of Administration and Fiscal Control to DCI. These services expanded in 1991 to include responsibility for all state personnel and property in Laramie County. In 1996, the Legislature renamed the unit the Capital Police. However, this function was transferred to the Wyoming Highway Patrol in 2001 and renamed the Executive Protection Division, where it remains today.
The turn of the millennium brought the challenge of the digital era. DCI rapidly adapted, recognizing the urgent need to confront cybercrimes. In 2000, DCI established the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which became, and continues to be, the tip of the spear in protecting children from online predators and providing expertise on broader cyber security challenges facing the state.
The Crime Laboratory achieved a significant scientific milestone in 2002 when DNA analysis became a pivotal service. This revolutionized the way criminal investigations were conducted in Wyoming, enhancing the accuracy of forensic evidence and contributing significantly to the resolution of countless cases.
Throughout the 2010s, both the CJIS section and the Operations division matured their services. CJIS implemented advanced information systems and databases to facilitate seamless information sharing among law enforcement partners. Operations expanded its collaborative models by formally establishing both a Cold Case team to assist local agencies and an Officer Involved Shooting team to formalize and bring consistency to these critical investigations across the state.
Moving into the 2020s, the DCI's mandate expanded to encompass new threats. Legislation was passed that gave DCI specific jurisdiction over investigations related to critical infrastructure protection and domestic terrorism (Wyo. Stat. § 9-1-618(b) and § 19-13-502). This acknowledged the agency's unique ability to coordinate intelligence and resources across multiple jurisdictions in response to high-level threats to state and national security.
Most recently, in 2024 and 2025, the DCI further strengthened its transparency and protocols by launching a public-facing Cold Case Database and implementing the new Missing Persons Protocol Law (SF0114), which eliminated the 24-hour waiting period and created mandatory reporting times for local agencies. Today, DCI employs 89 full-time professionals, including Scientists, Fingerprint examiners, intelligence analysts, and sworn law enforcement officers. DCI stands as a symbol of integrity, excellence, dedication, and service, continuously evolving and embracing technological advancements to provide exceptional support to Wyoming’s criminal justice partners and its citizens.