FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2025

Contact: Josie Harms

Attorney General and Law Enforcement Associations Support Prison Plan

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley and three South Dakota law enforcement associations issued statements of support for the new prison plan. The South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association, the South Dakota Sheriffs’ Association, and the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ Association agreed on the significant need for a new prison, encouraging legislators to move forward with the proposed plan.

“The building of a new prison, at a reasonable cost and that is respectful of taxpayer dollars, will help ensure our correctional system is equipped to meet today’s challenges,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “The construction of a new prison is not about expanding incarceration; it is to replace an outdated facility, address overcrowding, and provide safer environments for staff and inmates alike. By investing in a modern infrastructure, we are taking a responsible step forward to protect our communities and support a more effective justice system.”

“Our first duty is the safety of our communities,” wrote Jason Foote, South Dakota Police Chiefs’ Association President. “South Dakota needs a secure, modern, and humane facility that keeps our communities safe, protects staff, treats those in custody with dignity, and supports rehabilitation where possible.” You can find the statement of support from the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ Association here.

Police Chief Jason Foote served on the Prison Task Force, which reached a unanimous agreement on the new prison plan.

“Much of the current facility is an unsafe environment for both guards and inmates. A new facility is needed to ensure both are provided with a safer environment,” wrote the South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association. “A new prison is not solely about incarceration, but also about rehabilitative services and ensuring that individuals who enter the correctional system have a meaningful incarceration with access to resources which address the root causes of much criminal behavior.” You can find the statement of support from the South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association here.

This week, Governor Rhoden released the full plan for a new prison.

“County jails are increasingly forced to house individuals sentenced to the state, filling local beds that are already in short supply—at county expense,” wrote the South Dakota Sheriffs’ Association. “We urge our legislators to support the recommendations made by the Prison Reset Task Force at their upcoming special session and move forward with construction of the new prison.” You can find the statement of support from the South Dakota Sheriffs’ Association here.

Additional information about the plan for a new prison is outlined on the Governor’s FAQ page.

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