News

Rising Prison Population in SD Tied to Drug Use

Rising Prison Population in SD Tied to Drug Use

Photo: WNAX


Despite criminal law reforms passed in the last few years, the number of prisoners held in South Dakota continues to rise, with just under thirty-nine hundred in state facilities last month.
Governor Dennis Daugaard says prison has to be used as a last resort……

Daugaard says a surge in drugs is driving most of the prison numbers….

Daugaard says the state continues to look for the best solutions……

Daugaard says a 24 – 7 random screening program for drug offenders is being rolled out to more locations in the state.

Recent Headlines

3 hours ago in Local

NORTHWESTERN ENERGY PLANS SECOND NATURAL GAS PLANT IN ABERDEEN AS ELECTRICITY DEMAND GROWS

ABERDEEN, S.D. (Makenzie Huber / South Dakota Searchlight) – NorthWestern Energy is planning to build a second natural gas plant to…

3 hours ago in Local

CANDIDATES COULD PAY THEIR WAY ONTO BALLOT UNDER IDEA PROPOSED BY SOUTH DAKOTA’S TOP ELECTION OFFICIAL

PIERRE, S.D. (Joshua Haiar / South Dakota Searchlight) – South Dakota’s top election official floated potential legislation Tuesday that would allow…

3 hours ago in Local

GOVERNOR LARRY RHODEN ANNOUNCES BID FOR RE-ELECTION

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Governor Larry Rhoden announced his bid for re-election on Tuesday. The Governor stood before his…

1 day ago in Local

REMAINDER OF SNAP PAYMENTS TO BE ISSUED THIS WEEK IN SOUTH DAKOTA

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Social Services will be issuing the remainder of November SNAP benefits this week.…

1 day ago in Local

SUSPECTED OVERDOSE DEATH OF INMATE UNDER INVESTIGATION

SPRINGFIELD, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley says the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating a suspected drug overdose…