The South Dakota State Penitentiary is a correctional facility located in northern Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The facility has been in operation since 1881, originally serving as a territorial prison before becoming the South Dakota State Penitentiary in 1889. The prison is situated on approximately 30 acres of land and is one of the oldest operating facilities in the state.
The South Dakota State Penitentiary has undergone numerous structural changes over the years, but a large portion of the original buildings still stand today. The facility is designed to house adult male offenders who have been convicted of serious crimes, including violent offenses and drug-related offenses.
In addition to its primary function as a place of incarceration, the South Dakota State Penitentiary also provides various programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, and counseling services.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,088 |
| Physical Address | 1600 North Drive Sioux Falls, SD 57117 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 5911 Sioux Falls, SD 57117 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (605) 367-5051 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The South Dakota State Penitentiary has a rich history that dates back to the territorial days of South Dakota. Over the years, it has undergone significant changes and renovations to become the modern-day correctional facility it is today. This section will provide a brief overview of the history of the South Dakota State Penitentiary, including its beginnings, statehood, and significant renovations.
Territorial Prison
The South Dakota State Penitentiary was first established as a territorial prison in 1881, two years before South Dakota became a state. The territorial legislative assembly appropriated funds for the construction of the penitentiary in Sioux Falls, and the central administration building and two cell block wings were constructed in 1881-1882. The first inmates arrived from Michigan in December 1882.
Statehood
When South Dakota was granted statehood in 1889, the territorial prison became the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Since then, numerous renovations and expansions have been made to the facility, including the construction of a new maximum-security unit in 1989.
G. Norton Jameson Annex
In 1993, the G. Norton Jameson Annex opened in Sioux Falls as a secure unit adjacent to the main building of the South Dakota State Penitentiary. The annex was named after former South Dakota Governor George Norton Jameson, who served from 1939 to 1943. The annex was built to provide additional space for minimum-security inmates and to address overcrowding issues at the main facility.
Today, the South Dakota State Penitentiary remains a vital part of the South Dakota Department of Corrections and continues to serve as a correctional facility for the state’s most dangerous inmates.
Facilities
The South Dakota State Penitentiary is a correctional facility located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The facility has several housing units, a secure perimeter, institutional support, and food service facilities.
Housing Units
The main Penitentiary facility contains three housing units, which can accommodate up to 2,088 inmates. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates, while also providing them with access to educational and vocational programs.
Secure Perimeter
The South Dakota State Penitentiary has a secure perimeter that is designed to prevent inmates from escaping. The perimeter includes a fence, electronic detection systems, and a staff of highly trained correctional officers.
Institutional Support
The South Dakota State Penitentiary has several institutional support facilities, including the Jameson Annex, which provides medical and mental health services to inmates. The facility also has a Prison Industries program that provides vocational training to inmates in fields such as maintenance, upholstery, printing, decal, book bindery, machine shop, carpentry, braille unit, garments, and data entry.
Food Service
The South Dakota State Penitentiary has a food service facility that provides meals to inmates. The facility is staffed by trained food service professionals who ensure that the meals are nutritious and meet the dietary needs of the inmates.
Overall, the South Dakota State Penitentiary is a well-maintained facility that provides a safe and secure environment for inmates. The facility’s housing units, secure perimeter, institutional support, and food service facilities are designed to meet the needs of the inmates while also ensuring their safety and security.
Inmate Life
Life for inmates at the South Dakota State Penitentiary can be challenging, but there are resources available to help them make the most of their time.
Visitation Schedule
Inmates are allowed to have visitors, but they must follow a strict schedule. Visiting hours are:
- South Dakota State Penitentiary
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
- Third Friday of the month: 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm, 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm, 5:20 pm – 6:35 pm, 7:05 pm – 8:20 pm
- Jameson Prison Annex
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am – 9:50 am, 10:10 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm, 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
- Third Friday of the month: 5:20 pm – 6:35 pm, 7:05 pm – 8:20 pm
- Sioux Falls Minimum Center (Unit C)
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:45 am – 9:45 am, 10:15 am – 11:15 am, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm, 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm
- Third Friday of the month: 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm, 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list and must present a valid photo ID. Inmates are allowed to have up to five visitors at a time, and visits are limited to two hours.
Status
Inmates at the South Dakota State Penitentiary are classified based on their custody level, which takes into account factors such as the severity of their crime, their behavior while incarcerated, and their risk of escape. The custody level determines which housing unit the inmate is assigned to and what privileges they have.
Pay
Inmates at the South Dakota State Penitentiary are eligible to participate in prison industries, which provide employment opportunities and allow them to earn a wage. Inmates can work in a variety of industries, including license plate production, furniture manufacturing, and printing. The pay rate varies based on the job, but inmates can earn up to $0.25 per hour.
In addition to prison industries, inmates can also participate in adult basic education and GED classes to improve their literacy and job skills.
Overall, life for inmates at the South Dakota State Penitentiary can be challenging, but there are resources available to help them make the most of their time.
Visitation
South Dakota State Penitentiary allows visitation for approved visitors. Visitors must fill out a visitation application and be approved before visiting. The visitation application can be found on the South Dakota Department of Corrections website. The visitation application must be completed and submitted at least two weeks before the planned visit.
Video Visit
Video visitation is available at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Visitors must schedule a video visit in advance. The video visitation schedule is different from the regular visitation schedule. Video visitation can be scheduled online or by calling the visitation office. Visitors must have a computer or smartphone with internet access to participate in video visitation.
Money Order
Visitors can bring money orders to deposit into an inmate’s account. The money order must be made out to the inmate’s name and include the inmate’s ID number. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Visitors can also purchase a money order at the facility.
Visitation is an important way for inmates to maintain relationships with their loved ones. It is also an opportunity for visitors to provide support to the inmate and maintain a connection with them. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations of the facility during their visit.
Education
The South Dakota State Penitentiary offers a variety of educational opportunities for inmates to help them improve their skills and increase their chances of success upon release. The facility provides programs for literacy, Adult Basic Education, and General Educational Development (GED) classes. Inmates can also participate in cognitive behavioral, financial, and employment programming.
Education Courses
The educational courses offered by the South Dakota State Penitentiary are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the outside world. The courses cover a range of subjects, including math, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates can also take courses in vocational training, such as welding, carpentry, and culinary arts.
The facility offers a variety of educational programs to meet the needs of different inmates. Some programs are designed for those who are just starting to learn, while others are designed for those who are more advanced. Inmates can also work towards earning a high school diploma or a GED.
The South Dakota State Penitentiary also provides inmates with access to technology to help them learn. Inmates can use computers to complete coursework, research topics, and communicate with instructors. The facility also has a library where inmates can access books and other educational materials.
Overall, the educational opportunities provided by the South Dakota State Penitentiary are an important part of the facility’s mission to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release. By providing inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, the facility is helping to reduce recidivism rates and create safer communities.