OCTOBER 3, 2024: A lockdown of the state prison facilities in Sioux Falls has ended. The lockdown was a proactive security measure, which included searches for dangerous contraband and illicit substances, that began September 15 and was completed October 2. It was not a response to an assault, fight, or disturbance – and no staff or inmates were injured. The Sioux Falls facilities are transitioning off of lockdown status. The Department of Corrections (DOC) previously released some initial pictures of weapons and contraband seized and will release additional information on the lockdown’s success next week.   SEPTEMBER 26, 2024: The South Dakota Department of Corrections has implemented a pilot program that might lead to the reintroduction of messaging and video visit options for incarcerated offenders, their family and friends. Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko says the testing began at the Women’s Prison in Pierre this week (Sept. 25, 2024). Wasko says DOC staff are monitoring the pilot program to determine if it’s a safe and secure method for messaging and video visit options for offenders via their tablets. Messaging was removed from the offender tablets earlier this year because of inappropriate use. Wasko says you must be registered as an approved visitor in order to receive messages from offenders. She says messages are not instant, and no photos are allowed to be sent or received with the pilot program testing.   SEPTEMBER 19, 2024: Initial searches of the South Dakota State Penitentiary and Jameson Annex this week (Sept. 16-20, 2024) have resulted in the identification and confiscation of dangerous and illicit contraband. Some of the items found include handmade weapons, other items that can be fashioned into or used as weapons, and unauthorized electronics equipment. The offenders housed in the Sioux Falls prison facilities were locked down beginning on Sept. 15, 2024. This lockdown was a proactive security measure to implement a full campus search and seizure for dangerous contraband. It was not a response to an assault, fight, or disturbance – and no staff or inmates are injured. The lockdown status remains in place at this time. Phone service for offenders is being managed, including periods of time when phone service is disabled, for the duration of the lockdown. Offenders are receiving all meals and prescribed medications in their cells. Offenders do have access to commissary services as well as medical and mental health professionals during the lockdown period. “The safety of our staff is the number one priority,” said DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko. “The lockdown will continue until the search of the entire complex is complete.” Any potential criminal activity is being referred to DCI. Photo courtesy of the South Dakota Department of Corrections. Photo courtesy of the South Dakota Department of Corrections. Photo courtesy of the South Dakota Department of Corrections.   SEPTEMBER 16, 2024: The South Dakota State Penitentiary and Jameson Annex in Sioux Falls have been placed on lockdown status. A news release from the state Corrections Department sent out at 11:30 last night (Sept. 15, 2024), says they do not know how long the lockdown will last. In the meantime, Corrections staff are managing phone service for offenders. This may include periods of phone service being temporarily disabled. All visits, with the exception of previously approved and scheduled special visits, are cancelled during this time. Attorney visits will be allowed. A news release on the DOC website says general visitation for Jameson Annex D Floor offenders was suspended Friday. Because this is related to facility security and operations, Corrections officials will not be responding to inquiries during the lockdown. If the release of additional information is warranted, the information will be provided on the agency website and social media channels.