South Dakota State Penitentiary: Inmate Guide

Overview of the Facility

The South Dakota State Penitentiary is the primary state prison for adult male inmates in South Dakota. It is located in Sioux Falls and is operated by the South Dakota Department of Corrections. The facility houses maximum, medium, and minimum-security inmates.

Contact Information

Address: 1600 North Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5911
Phone: (605) 367-5051
Website: https://doc.sd.gov/adult/facilities/sdsp/

How to Locate an Inmate

To locate an inmate, use the South Dakota Department of Corrections Offender Locator: https://doc.sd.gov/adult/lookup/

Visitation Information and Hours

Visitation hours vary by housing unit and security level. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list. For specific visiting hours and guidelines, contact the facility directly or check the visitor information page: https://doc.sd.gov/adult/facilities/sdsp/visit.aspx

How to Send Money

Money can be sent to inmates through the following methods:

Online: Access Corrections
By phone: 1-866-345-1884
By mail: Send money orders to Inmate Banking, 1600 North Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5911

Phone Calls and Video Options

Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Video visitation may be available for certain inmates. Contact the facility for more information on communication options.

Inmate Services and Programs

The South Dakota State Penitentiary offers various programs and services, including:

Educational programs
Vocational training
Substance abuse treatment
Religious services
Mental health services
Work programs

History of the Facility

The South Dakota State Penitentiary was established in 1881 and has undergone several expansions and renovations throughout its history. It is the oldest prison in South Dakota and has played a significant role in the state's correctional system.

Security and Management Information

The facility is managed by the South Dakota Department of Corrections and employs various security measures, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and correctional officers. Different housing units have varying levels of security based on inmate classification.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. They also have the right to receive visits from approved family members and friends, subject to facility rules and regulations.

Booking and Release Process

Upon arrival, inmates go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and medical screening. The release process involves completing required programs, meeting parole conditions, or serving the full sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items can I send to an inmate?

Inmates can receive approved items through authorized vendors only. Contact the facility for a list of approved items and vendors.

How often can inmates make phone calls?

Phone privileges vary based on an inmate's custody level and behavior. Generally, inmates have access to phones during designated times.

Can inmates receive education while incarcerated?

Yes, the South Dakota State Penitentiary offers various educational programs, including GED classes and vocational training opportunities.

Famous Prisoners

Eric Robert - Convicted for the murder of correctional officer Ronald Johnson during an escape attempt in 2011.
Elijah Page - Executed in 2007 for the 2000 murder of Chester Allan Poage, marking the state's first execution in 60 years.
Charles Rhines - Executed in 2019 for the 1992 murder of Donnivan Schaeffer during a burglary.

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for South Dakota State Penitentiary. If you are have completed a South Dakota State Penitentiary inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in South Dakota State Penitentiary can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in South Dakota State Penitentiary. Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

1600 North Drive PO Box 5911, Sioux Falls, SD, 57117

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 605-367-5051 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in South Dakota State Penitentiary, make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

Visitor must not be a prior felon.
Visitor must have a valid government ID.
A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.

South Dakota State Penitentiary Inmate Searcher

Fill out the form below and receive a detailed report on an inmate. This includes current and previous arrest records, social media handles, current and previous addresses & phone numbers.

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