What are South Dakota Inmate Records?

South Carolina inmate records consist of all the pieces of information collected, stored, and shared about each inmate in the criminal justice system.

Inmate records typically contain some basic information like the person’s name, birth date, age, gender, race, and then a physical description comprised of their height, weight, hair, and eye color, as well as any tattoos, scars, or defining marks.

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is the state agency in charge of all inmates, facilities, and inmate records. Some records are easy to find and others more difficult. 

South Dakota Prison and Jail System

The state of South Dakota has six correctional facilities spread out over the state. Two of them are designated as work centers, and one is a women’s only prison.

There are also dozens of county jails run by the local Sheriff’s office or police. These facilities hold pretrial inmates and those serving short sentences (less than one year). They are often owned, funded, and managed by the county.

There are only about 4,000 inmates in state prisons in South Dakota. There are another 1,700 inmates in local jails and 1,200 in federal prison in the state.

How to Search for Inmates in South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Corrections has an offender locator on its website where the public can easily search for incarcerated individuals. You can search by the person’s DOC# or name.

The list of results shows each inmate’s DOC# and full name. You can click on any DOC number to see more information like any aliases, their current location, correctional status, parole officer, current convictions, and booking details.

Types of Jails in South Dakota

How to Contact, Send Money to or Visit an Inmate in South Dakota

South Dakota encourages inmate visitation; however, they have a strict set of rules about it, and visitation may be suspended, delayed, or canceled at any time without notice. All visitors must be on the approved visitor’s list. The state also allows video visitation in some instances.

The South Dakota Department of Corrections allows inmates to receive mail as long as it complies with the regulations. Only approved items may be sent, and all mail will be opened and inspected before the inmate receives it.

South Dakota has a unique program where they issue tablets to all eligible inmates so they can take educational courses, listen to music, and read e-books. Inmates are also allowed to use the tablet for email to keep in touch with friends and family. Global Tel Link provides the service.

Each inmate is set up with an incarceration bank account. Family and friends can send them money via money order and have it deposited into their account for snacks or the purchase of hygiene items. Inmates can also choose to have payroll or government benefit checks deposited directly into their accounts while incarcerated.

Police Departments in South Dakota

South Dakota Counties