FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, May 11, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878

Attorney General Jackley Awards Drug Control Funds

to Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Box Elder Police Department for Drug Detection K-9s

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that up to $60,000 from the Attorney General’s Drug Control Fund has been awarded to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase and training of two Drug Detection K-9s. The Box Elder Police Department also will receive up to $93,000 to create a Drug Detection K-9 unit.

“These funds strengthen the ability of local law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drugs,” said Attorney General Jackley. “By supporting our partners in Pennington County and Box Elder, the Attorney General’s Office is taking a comprehensive approach to keeping our communities safe.”

“Three additional K-9s is a force multiplier with the existing Rapid City Police K-9 program. Methamphetamine is the #1 driver of violence in our community. This is something we have wanted to do for some time,” said Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller. “Enforcement alone will not solve the drug problem. As a community, we hope to receive additional opioid settlement dollars to help on the treatment and prevention fronts.”

“Having this asset available within our own department will increase our efforts to eradicate illegal drugs in the City of Box Elder, Pennington County, and Meade County,” said Box Elder Chief of Police Bob Connell. “We are grateful for the efforts of the Division of Criminal Investigation and the support from the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office in helping make this program a reality."

“Police K-9s are invaluable assets to law enforcement,” says Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick of his two trained K-9s. “Their presence alone can de-escalate tension and ensure safer outcomes. We take pride in our partnership with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and look forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Box Elder Police Department to serve all residents of Pennington County.”

The Attorney General’s Drug Control Fund is supported by drug forfeiture monies and are to be used for drug control and apprehension purposes. So far this year, the fund has distributed $221,565.38 to seven law enforcement agencies statewide.

The K-9s and handlers for the two law enforcement agencies receiving the funds will be selected throughout the summer with training completion planned for early this fall.

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