State Court Administrator's Office

Learn how the State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services to South Dakota's courts and find information about each division.

South Dakota courts are organized into a unified judicial system. The State Court Administrator’s Office (SCAO) provides centralized administrative assistance and support services to South Dakota's courts to ensure efficient and responsive operation. The office also provides support to various committees in the UJS, media information and legislative direction during session.

The State Court Administrator implements the rules and policies of the Supreme Court as they apply to the operations and administration of the courts. The State Court Administrator also serves as the liaison between the judicial branch and the other branches of state and local government.

State Court Administrator's Office Divisions

The State Court Administrator's Office is located at 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501-5070. The office is organized into six divisions.

The Budget and Finance Division assists the Unified Judicial System with fiscal questions and budgets. The Division manages travel regulations and processes travel reimbursements for employees. The Division also assists clerk of courts staff with end-of-month processing and financial questions.

The Clerk Support Division provides statewide oversight, direction and training to clerk of courts staff. The Division reviews legislative changes impacting clerks of courts and develops necessary procedure changes accordingly. Staff process record searches for large group entities such as landlords and assist merge and search centers. Staff also maintain and update the clerk of courts procedural manual and forms.

The Court Services Division provides statewide oversight, direction and training to court services staff. The Division interprets legislative changes impacting court services and creates and interprets statewide probation services-related policies and protocols. Staff maintain and update the court services manuals, provide guidance and direction on interstate compact issues for both adult and juvenile programs, and provide guidance on diversion programs.

The Human Resources Division manages human resources for the Unified Judicial System. Its responsibilities include maintaining personnel policies and procedures; answering paycheck and benefit questions; providing judicial and staff training; and assisting with recruitment, retention, and employment law issues. The division also oversees security and emergency preparedness for the circuit courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. Additionally, it manages employee compensation, classification structures, and worker’s compensation claims.

The Information and Technology Division provides essential technical support and training for judges, clerks, and court services staff. The Division is responsible for managing and maintaining the court's technological infrastructure and systems, including case management systems and electronic filing systems. The Division plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive judicial data by implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against unauthorized access.

The Treatment Courts Division is responsible for overseeing treatment courts statewide to include monitoring, oversight, training and data collection in compliance with Adult Treatment Court Best Practice Standards. Staff create partnerships and provide representation with outside agencies on the treatment courts team. The Division identifies and coordinates training and technical assistance needs for all treatment courts team members. Staff also compile and interpret statewide data and statistics.